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UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 

































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Christ Among Men. 


OBJECT LESSONS IN PERSONAL 
WORK. 



JAMES McCONAUGHY, 

K 

Instructor in the English Bible in Mount Hermon School. 


“ He that winneth souls is wise.” 


Revised Edition. 



New York: 

The International Committee of Young Mm’s 


Christian Associations. 
1894. 




(3-0-663-1-94) 





COPYRIGHT 1894 
BY 

THE INTERNATIONAL COMMITTEE OF YOUNG 
MEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATIONS. 


No. 313. 


The Library 
of Congress 

WASHINGTON 


For list of publications in the “ College Series, 
see last pages. 


CONTENTS. 


PART I. THE CLASS. 

PAGE. 

I. The Course of Study i 

II. Suggestions for forming Training 

Classes and promoting Personal 
Work 4 

III. Suggestions for Teachers 9 

IV. The Animating Spirit — how at- 

tained 14 

PART II. THE COURSE. 

Preliminary .... 17 

Section A. 

I. The Period of Preparation. 

I. A Personal Worker Prepared for Ser- 

vice ... 23 

II. A Personal Worker Anointed and 

Tested 27 

II. The Period of Introduction. 

III. With Workingmen Eager for a New 

Era 29 

IV. With an Educated Man who Admits 

His Authority but Stumbles at His 
Teaching 32 


IV 


CONTENTS. 


PAGE. 

V. With a Woman of Alien Race , Preju- 


diced Mind and Bad Reputation . . 34 
VI. With Religious Leaders who Study the 

Bible but do not Love God .... 37 
Review 1 3&A 


Section B. 

III. The Period of Widening Influence. 


VII. With the Despised and Outcast . . 39 

viii. With Men who Criticise Christ's Fol- 
lowers 42 

ix. With a Perplexed Witness Seeking the 

Removal of his Doubts 45 

X. With Representatives of Opposite Social 

Classes 48 

XI. With Men who Ascribe the Effects of 

Christianity to Unworthy Causes . 51 

Review 2 53 


Section C. 

IV. The Period of Misunderstanding and 
Opposition. 


Xii. With Followers whose Faith is being 

Severely Tested 55 

Xiii. With Men who are Seeking the Loaves 

and Fishes 59 

Xiv. With One who Loves Him but Miscon- 
ceives His Mission .62 

xv. With? a Follower who Shows an Intol- 
erant Spirit 66 

XVI. With Men who Misuse their Privileges , 69 


CONTENTS. 


V 

PAGE. 

XVII. With Men too Wise in their own Con- 


ceit to Learn Anything 71 

XVIII. With One who has learned but Little, 

yet Knows that Little well . 74 

Review 3 77 


Section D. 

V. The Approach to the Goal. 


xix. 

xx. 

XXI. 

XXII. 

XXIII. 

XXIV. 

XXV. 

XXVI. 

XXVII. 

xxvm. 
Review 4 


With Men of Good Impulses but no 

Settled Purpose 78 

With One who Tries to Justify himself 81 
With One who Tries to Make Use of 

Him for Selfish Ends 84 

With One who Treats Salvation as a 

Subject of Speculation 87 

With Men who Ask for the Truth but 

will not Accept It 90 

With One who has Wrong Ideas About 

the Kingdom of God 93 

With Selfish Scoffers 95 

With Dearest Frietids under the Shadow 

of Mysterious Affliction 98 

With a Young Man of Narrow and 

Selfish Views 101 

With an Older Man Made Rich by Un- 
righteous Methods 104 

107 


Section E. 

VI. The Passion Week. 


xxix. With Men who Try to Entrap Him 

with Hard Questions 109 


Vi CONTENTS. 

PAGE. 

xxx. With Men on the Lookout for some 

New Sensation 1 1 3 

XXXI. With Followers of Christ who Show 

a False Spirit . . 117 

XXXII. With the Self-confident Christian 

Worker . . 120 

xxxiii. With a Public Man who would Do 

Right if it did not Cost so Much 124 
xxxiv. With One who Sincerely Repents, 

though at the Eleventh Hour . .129 

VII. From the Tomb to the Throne. 

xxxv. With Disheartened mid Perplexed 

Followers 132 

XXXVI. With One who Requires Convincing 

Evidence 136 

XXXVII. With One who has been Worsted by 

Satan 138 

xxxviii. With Followers who Need the Bap- 
tism of the Holy Spirit . . . . 142 

Review 3 147 

Final Review 149 

Index of Portions of the Gospels 

TREATED I 52 

Index of Classes of Persons inter- 
viewed 154 


PART I. 


THE BIBLE TRAINING CLASS. 

I. THE COURSE OF STUDY. 

The single aim in preparing this course of study 
has been to help those who desire to follow the 
example of the Lord Jesus Christ in winning other 
lives for His service. Whatever in it may prove 
helpful is the outgrowth of some years’ experience 
in personal work among young men in connection 
with college and city Young Men’s Christian Asso- 
ciations. In preparing this revised and enlarged 
edition the author has been helped, not only by 
teaching these interviews at the Northfield Summer 
Conferences for Young Men and for Young Women, 
but by suggestions from persons who have taught 
them elsewhere. Additional interviews have been 
included, and much fuller outlines and suggestions 
furnished to aid the student in private study. For 
the sake of simplicity and euphony the masculine 
pronoun is used throughout in referring to student 
and teacher, but the statements are applicable to 
both sexes. 

While the course may be followed by any student 
privately, it is specially adapted for use in Bible 
Training Classes. Such classes are now widely held 
in Young Men’s and Young Women’s Christian 
Associations, in churches, and in city missions. A 
full discussion of the methods to be followed in 


2 


them, with a course of study which naturally pre- 
cedes that given in this pamphlet, will be found in 
Personal Work : How Organized and Accomplished , 
by C. K. Ober and J. R. Mott, revised edition (see 
last pages). Without a careful examination of that 
pamphlet, the suggestions given herein as sup- 
plementary to it will be hardly intelligible. 

This course of study keeps before the student, 
in constantly shifting situations, the example of the 
greatest of all personal workers. It traces a line of 
progress in His ministry, which leaves a clearer im- 
pression of it as a whole, and makes many of His 
words glow with new light and burn with new heat. 

The course is divided into five sections. Any 
one or more will be found sufficiently independent 
to be studied alone, where, for the time being, the 
complete series does not seem practicable. A 
break between sections — at vacation time, for ex- 
ample — is of advantage in rallying the forces and 
introducing new students into the classes. 

If a briefer course covering the whole ground is 
desired, the following interviews may be selected : 
I., II., III., IV., V., VIII., IX., XI., XIV., XVII., 
XVIII., XIX., XXII., XXVI., XXVII., XXVIII., 
XXX., XXXV., XXXVII., XXXVIII., the sub- 
jects of which are given in the table of contents. 

The chronology followed is that given by Andrews 
in his Life of our Lord , revised edition, 1891 
(Scribners), except that the journey to the Feast of 
Tabernacles is placed after the Transfiguration, as 
in his earlier edition. This chronology is graphi- 
cally shown in Kephart’s Chart of The Public Life 
of Christ (Revell), which has other valuable features 
as well. It should be before the eyes of the class 


3 


or the individual student, especially during the 
review lessons. 

The Interwoven Gospels (Fords, Howard, and 
Hulbert), though differing somewhat from Andrews 
and Kephart in the order of events, will be found 
of much practical value in presenting a single full 
and connected narrative. 

Most of the interviews chosen are narrated by 
more than one evangelist, and the other accounts 
should be carefully studied, in addition to the one 
given, which is usually the fullest. 

Helps on the life of Christ are so numerous that 
there is great danger of letting them do all the 
student’s thinking for him. A good preparation for 
these studies, however, may be obtained by a 
thoughtful reading in advance of Broadus’ Jesus of 
Nazareth (Armstrong), or Stalker’s Life of Christ 
(Revell), and of Stalker’s Imago Christi (American 
Tract Society), especially the chapters on “Christ 
in Society,” “Christ as a Student of Scripture,” 
“Christ as a Controversialist,” and “Christ as a 
Winner of Souls.” 


4 


II. SUGGESTIONS FOR FORMING TRAINING 
CLASSES AND PROMOTING PER- 
SONAL WORK. 

1. Some one person must have an intelligent 
and impelling conviction of the need of personal 
Christian work in the sphere of his influence, and 
of the advantage of training and organization in 
promoting such efforts. This conviction may be 
deepened and guided by a careful study of the 
pamphlet Personal Work, already referred to. 

2. The next step is to personally seek out others 
who are, or who may become, like-minded. In this 
the circulation of the same pamphlet will be found 
helpful. 

3. If none such can be found, they may be de- 
veloped by organizing a class for Bible study, whose 
members would not be expected at the start to 
attempt personal work. In such a class the course 
of study given in this pamphlet might be followed, 
devoting the full hour to it, or such a course as 
“ Outline Studies in the Life of Christ ,” published 
by the Mount Hermon .School, Mount Hermon, 
Mass. Wherever there is lack of knowledge of the 
leading facts in Christ’s life, a general Bible class, 
studying the latter course, would serve as an ad- 
mirable preparation for the study of Christ Among 
Men in Training Classes. 

4. When there are a good number who, however 
untrained, have a sincere desire to be useful in per- 
sonal work, the following plan of organization is 
recommended. It has been, it can be, fully carried 
out. Undertake at first only such features of it as 


5 


are at the time practicable. Aim not at reproduc- 
ing a method, but at achieving results. 

(r) Choose the best-fitted person in the 
College, Association, society, or church, as the 
leader of the Training Class work. 

(2) By a personal canvass prepare a list of 
all who are willing to undertake and be trained 
for personal work. Divide these into as many 
group classes as their number requires, classi- 
fying according to age, residence, class-mem- 
bership, or otherwise, so as to promote harmo- 
nious work. In order to secure the frankness 
desirable in such a group class, its number 
should be small, seldom exceeding eight, and 
no person should be placed in it who cannot be 
trusted to treat all that is said as confidential. 
It will rarely, if ever, be wise to put persons of 
both sexes in the same class. 

(3) A teacher for each group class must be 
selected, and these teachers, with others, if 
there is room, will form the Central Class, 
taught by the leader. The lesson studied in 
the Central Class will be taught by each 
teacher afterwards in his own group class. 
The actual cases studied in the Central Class 
may occasionally, but will not usually, be the 
same as those taken up in the group classes. 

(4) Attendance and personal work attempt- 
ed are systematically reported by having each 
member, as he takes his seat in class, fill up 
and hand to the teacher a blank like the fol- 
lowing : — 


6 


Class No. Teacher. 

TRAINING CLASS REPORT. 


189 

N ame, 

Spent hours on lesson. 

Talked with ) 

Wrote to J a 

Difficulty was _ 


Method followed. 


Apparent results thus far 

By glancing over these blanks, in a moment’s 
interval for rest and fresh air between the study of 
the topic and that of the actual case, — the two 
main divisions of the class session, — the teacher 
knows on whom he may call at the close for verbal 
reports of personal work done, and forms an idea as 
to which case may be selected for study at the fol- 
lowing lesson. It enables him to spare or not, as 
seems to him best, any member from public con- 


Note. These blanks are prepared in pads and sold by the 
International Committee, 40 East 23d Street, New York City. 


7 


fession of lack of effort, and yet keeps him con- 
stantly posted as to what is being done. 

At the Central Class each teacher turns in these 
blanks to the leader, who is thus kept in touch with 
the points of weakness and of encouragement in 
the whole work. 

All classes may occasionally meet together, — at 
the preliminary and the review lessons, for exam- 
ple. 

(5) After the classes have been at work for 
a time, the leader and group teachers should 
make a list of those in the college, Association, 
or church, who need such spiritual help as the 
members of the_classes should now be able to 
give. This list may well include, with those 
who are not yet Christians, any who are known 
as such, and yet are not honoring their Lord. 

Much prayer should accompany the preparation 
of such a list, and the assignment to the different 
classes of those whom they shall undertake to help. 
If the Spirit of Christ rules their lives, this work 
will be humbly yet cheerfully undertaken, and car- 
ried on so quietly and considerately, that it will be 
unknown outside the circle of the helpers and the 
helped, except as its results become evident. As- 
sign but few names at the start, but expect reports 
of weekly progress at each session of the group and 
central classes. 

(6) The leader of such a movement and the 
teachers of the classes have rare opportunity 
for spiritual influence. Those chosen to fill 
these positions will naturally shrink back 
through a sense of unfitness, but, if willing and 


8 


obedient they will heed the Saviour’s call, 
“ Come ye after Me, and I will make you to 
become fishers of men,” and will claim His 
promise, “Ye shall receive power when the 
Holy Ghost is come upon you ; and ye shall be 
my witnesses.” They may well begin and con- 
tinue by the private study of such truths as are 
found in the closing interviews of this course. 

In college these posts may best be filled by stu- 
dents ; in church and Association, where possible, 
by lay workers rather than by pastors and secre- 
taries. 

The men needed for them will not be found at 
leisure. An active college Association worker 
writes out of his own experience : — “ Men who are 
given a large amount of Association work to do, as 
presidents, chairmen of committees, etc., must spe- 
cially beware lest it absorb all their free time. They 
cannot afford to give up personal work at any cost .” 

5. This full organization for personal work will 
be the more efficient if attained gradually. A sin- 
gle Training Class, to begin with, composed of two 
or three members who have whole-heartedly dedi- 
cated themselves to this form of Christian effort, 
will accomplish more than half a dozen classes 
enlisted in a public meeting, loosely organized, and 
unproductive of results. Such classes are apt to 
dwindle and disband or be transformed into a gen- 
eral Bible class. So-called Training Classes, whose 
members are always studying and never attaining 
to the practice of the truth, are unworthy of the 


name. 


9 


III. SUGGESTIONS FOR TEACHERS OF THIS 
COURSE OF STUDY. 

1. In Advance. 

(1) Master the pamphlet Personal Work 
and the preliminary lesson in this pamphlet. 

(2) See that a sufficient number of the two 
pamphlets are on hand to be sold or furnished 
to the class. Aid the members in purchasing 
at lowest rates copies of the helps suggested, 
or gather a small library of these and similar 
books for their use. 

2. Place and Time. 

(1) Secure a cosy room. Have the temper- 
ature comfortable (68 degrees is amply warm) 
and keep the air fresh. 

(2) Get your class close together around a 
table, which will facilitate the use of Bible and 
note-book. 

(3) Be punctual in beginning and ending. 
Keep your watch and time-table before you 
and adhere to the latter closely. Especially 
guard against the tendency to give too much 
time to the study of the Gospel incident, and 
thus encroach upon the consideration of the 
actual case. 

3. The Review. 

(1) This is to cover the Bible incident only, 
and is to be conducted by questioning the 
class. Take it yourself first to show how. 
Appoint for the next time the one you think 


IO 


can do it best and consult with him privately 
* as to his plan. Guard him against going too 
much into detail. From ten to twenty ques- 
tions, covering the main points, will use the 
five minutes most profitably. Discussion and 
the introduction of new points are of course 
out of place here. 

(2) At the close of the review, appoint an- 
other member to conduct the next one. 

(3) The fuller review at the close of each 
section should be conducted by the teacher, and 
may, if necessary, occupy the full hour. 

4. Teaching the Incident. 

(1) Usually have the passage read, but vary 
the method. Have one member read from the 
Revised Version or from Rotherham’s empha- 
sized translation, or from The Interwoven Gos- 
pels . , while the rest carefully follow the text 
before them. Where there is dialogue, have 
different members read the portions belonging 
to different speakers. 

(2) In teaching, avoid lecturing and exhort- 
ing. Expend your strength on framing sugges- 
tive questions. Do not be satisfied with using 
those already framed in the outlines. Bring 
out the “how” and the “why” of the state- 
ments contained therein. Draw out various 
answers until you have brought out the truth 
fully. Often an answer, though not what is 
sought, may be skilfully turned into the current 
of the teacher’s thought. 


(3) One who is quick to respond and apt to 
monopolize the conversation must be kindly 
restrained, either in the class or, better, in pri- 
vate ; while the quiet ones must be drawn out. 

(4) Remember that your object is not to 
teach all you have learned about the interview, 
but what will stimulate and 'guide in personal 
work. Make up your own mind, therefore, 
which of the more important points you will be 
able to develop in the time allotted, and con- 
centrate on them. 

(5) Hold the outline clearly in mind, and 
avoid spending time on unessential details. 
Watch constantly for applications to our own 
day and your own surroundings. Grasp the 
central truths of the interview, put life and 
heart into the study, press on to the conclu- 
sion. 

(6) If teacher of a group class and at the 
same time member of the Central Class, 
neither rely on, nor be hampered by, your 
study of the lesson in the latter. Use any- 
thing valuable you learn there, but work out 
your own method, material and applications. 

5. Treating the Actual Case. 

(1) Choose for the first case to be studied 
one that should lead up to an encouraging 
issue, and that will bring out clearly the plan 
of salvation. Take some past case in your 
own experience, if no other such a one has 
been suggested. Treat the first case yourself 
as an object lesson, following the suggestions 


given in the preliminary lesson, showing espe- 
cially how to approach the person and intro- 
duce the subject. 

(2) At later sessions, call on one or two 
members of the class to state fully how they 
would treat the case, and then give others the 
opportunity to supplement. When a member 
suggests a passage, draw out his ideas as to 
how he would use it. Ask the one who intro- 
duced the case as to the probable helpfulness 
of what is proposed. 

(3) After the members of the class have 
studied together for some weeks, it may be 
wise for you occasionally to take the position 
of the person whose case is being studied, and 
have several members of the class talk with 
you in turn. 

(4) Be specially sympathetic and earnest 
during this part of the hour, and in every way 
endeavor to promote the spirit of prayer and 
of reliance upon the guidance of the Divine 
Spirit. At the close, or, when it seems best, 

• during the progress of the class session, let 
special prayer be offered for those in whose 
behalf members are particularly interested. 

6. Key-Texts. 

Select some one clause or verse that best 
sums up the central teaching of the Gospel 
incident, and another that seems best adapted 
to the actual case. Commit these two key- 
texts for each lesson, and from time to time 


i3 


drill the class upon them. In this way the 
memory may be stored with the choicest pas- 
sages for use in personal work. 

7. Reporting Personal Work. 

The one danger to be jealously guarded 
against is crowding into the back-ground the 
real work for which the class is organized. 
The teacher must be more than teacher, — he 
must be leader, example, inspiration. He 
must keep as close as a brother to his class. 
When a member is not attempting personal 
work, delegate some to him, talk and pray with 
him about it, perhaps join him in his first 
efforts. If a member absents himself from the 
class because of failure at this point, follow 
him up in a loving and patient spirit. No 
other work is more truly Christ-like than this. 


14 


IV. THE SPIRIT WHICH MUST ANIMATE 

BOTH TEACHER AND STUDENT. 

1. The Leader’s Instructions. 

“ For I have given you an example that ye 
also should do as I have done to you. Verily, 
verily, I say unto you, a servant is not greater 
than his lord ; neither one that is sent greater 
than he that sent him. If ye know these 
things, blessed are ye if ye do them.” John 
13: 15-17, R.V. 

2. The Student’s Training. 

“ Sanctify them in the truth : thy word is 
truth. As thou didst send me into the world, 
even so sent I them into the world.” John 
17 : 17, 18, R. V. 

3. The Result. 

“ I can do all things in him that strengthen- 
eth me.” Phil. 4 : 13, R. V. 


(Jesus) “laid his hands upon his eyes; 

And he * * * * saw all things clearly.” 

Mark 8 : 25, R. V. 

1. Look around to see the need. Matt. 9: 35- 
37. Then pray (v. 38) in order that you also may 
be empowered and sent (Matt. 10: 1, 5). Not the 
twelve only, but the seventy also were thus prepared 
and sent. Luke 10: 2,3. The fields are white. 


i5 


John 4: 35. Letters from college students, who 
have been in the Training Classes at the Northfield 
Students’ Conference, agree in reporting their sur- 
prise at finding college men so ready to talk with 
them about following Christ. 

2. 1 . 00k ahead to see the issue. Prov. 1 1 : 30. 
“ He that winneth souls is wise.” No other life 
work compares with this, Dan. 12: 3. “They 
that be wise (margin, the teachers) shall shine as 
the brightness of the firmament ; and they that turn 
many to righteousness as the stars forever and 
ever.” John 4: 36. “He that reapeth receiveth 
wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal.” 

3. Look up to feel the motive power. 2 Cor. 
5: 14. “The love of Christ constraineth us,” — 
shuts us in and impels us forward. Not the sense 
of duty, not the desire for men’s approval, not the 
determination to achieve success, but the love of 
Christ, — His toward us, realized until it quickens 
ours toward Him and toward those for whom He 
came to minister and to give His life a ransom. 
Matt. 20 : 28. 

A college student shows what is needed when he 
writes : “ I believe the reason our Training Classes 
d'd not result in more actual conversions is because 
of the lack (1) of a deep spiritual life on the part of 
the members and (2) of a profound conviction of 
the need and value of personal work and that they 
are the ones to do it.” 

The General Secretary of a city Association 
shows how this need is to be supplied : “ Nearly 

every case considered in our class has resulted in 
conversion to Christ. Twenty young men have 


been dealt with, and seven of them are now doing 
good active service in their churches. Haphazard 
work counts for nothing. We must be led of the 
Spirit. Victories are not won while we are persuad- 
ing men, but, previously, in the secret chamber of 
intercession. As Gethsemane preceded Calvary, so 
there can be no soul-winning without soul-agony 
and prayer.” 


PART II. 


CHRIST AMONG MEN. 

PRELIMINARY. 

Organizing the class. 

(1) State aim and plan. 

a. Bible study. 

b. For and with personal work. 

c. In a workers’ training class (call 
special attention to pp. 8, 19-21 in Personal 
Work). 

d. Following the example, learning the 
teachings, and absorbing the spirit of 
Christ. 

(2) Emphasize as obligations of each mem- 
ber — 

a. Regular and prompt attendance. 

b. Faithful private study — one hour at 
the least upon each lesson. Let all who 
can double or treble this. 

c. Willingness to attempt personal 
work and determination to seek opportuni- 
ties for it. 

d. Purpose to organize a similar class 
elsewhere as the way may be opened, and 


i8 


to propagate this method of uniting study 
and work. 

(3) Enroll the members, securing, unless 
already known, information as to correct name 
and address, church membership, experience 
in Christian work in general and personal work 
in particular. Have each member describe the 
situation^, of some person in whose spiritual 
welfare he is specially interested, stating what 
obstacles seem to hinder the development of 
the Christ-life, and what efforts have been 
made to remove them. This will probably 
furnish several cases for study at the earlier 
sessions of the class. 

All this information may most easily be ob- 
tained in writing on blanks prepared in advance 
by the teacher for the purpose. 

2. Dividing the hour. 

Agree upon a regular allotment of the hour of 
the class session, to be closely adhered to. The 
following is suggested : 

(1) Prayer and roll-call (if the report 
blanks are used they are gathered instead of 
calling the names from the roll), — five minutes. 

(2) Review of previous lesson by a member 
of the class appointed the week before, — five 
minutes. 

(3) Study of the incident from the life of 
Christ, — twenty minutes. 

(4) Study of the actual case, — twenty 
minutes. 


1 9 


(5) Reports of personal work and selection 
of a case to be studied at next lesson, — ten 
minutes. 

The hour will generally seem very short. If that 
limit is fixed, however, it should be adhered to. If 
an hour and a quarter is agreed upon as the time 
for the class, thirty minutes may be devoted to the 
study of the incident and twenty-five to the actual 
case. 

3. Hints for private study. 

(1) Of the incident from the Gospels. 

a. Aim (a) to make it speak to you, — 
paraphrase it ; (b) to make it live before 
you, — picture it; (c) to make it work in 
and through you, — practice it. 

b. Read and re-read it, in the Revised 
Version certainly, in the original Greek 
and in other modern languages than Eng- 
lish, if you can, with pencil and paper to 
note (a) points on which further light is 
needed, (b) helpful thoughts and practical 
lessons. 

c. Examine references, concordance, 
Bible dictionary, and commentaries (more 
than one, if any), until you understand the 
meaning of the passage. 

d. Then arrange the material under a 
simple outline, either the one given, or, 
better, one of your own. Where, when, 
who, why, what, are good questions to ask 
in this process. Four items at least will 


20 


always require consideration: — (a) the 
circumstances under which the interview 
occurs ; (b) the character and difficulties of 
the person or persons interviewed ; (c) the 
method and spirit of Jesus; (d) how we 
may best help in similar cases now. 

e . Illustrate from other parts of Script- 
ure and from Christian experience. 

f. Apply to yourself and your work. 

g. For this private study and in the 
class use a pad or cheap note book. 
Afterwards preserve for future use the 
final product of your study by copying 
neatly into a permanent note book. 

h. Helps. In addition to those usually 
found in a good reference Bible : (a) the 
Revised Version, essential, (b) The In- 
terwoven Gospels , or some other harmony 
of the Gospels in the Revised Version. A 
new one by Broadus (Armstrong, 1893) 
has some new features and valuable notes, 
(c) Kephart’s Cha,rt of the Public Life 
of Christ (Revell), for its graphic repre- 
sentation to the eye of the order and 
locality of the events, (d) Rotherham’s 
Translation of the New Testament (Revell), 
which renders literally and locates the 
emphasis as shown in the Greek original, 
(e) Stalker’s Life of Christ , for its grasp 
of the great periods and ruling ideas; 
Andrews’, for the harmony and the treat- 
ment of critical difficulties; Edersheim’s 


(Randolph) for the Jewish setting and 
spiritual insight. 

(2) Of the actual case. (The term “case” 
is used for lack of a better one and for the 
sake of uniformity with Personal Work.) 

a. Realize that by personal work is 
meant helpful contact with any other per- 
son to awaken or promote in him. the 
Christ-life. 

b. Aim to put yourself in his place, 
then to put yourself in Christ’s place in 
relation to him. 

c. Ask yourself (a) what is his real 

difficulty, — the disease of which his 
objections may be merely symptoms? 
(b) What is the truth that he needs to 
realize ? (c) How can I win entrance, for 

that truth to his heart ? (d) Is any case 

parallel to his described in Scripture ? 

d. Helps. In addition to Personal 
Work , already referred to, consult Torrey’s 
How to Bring Men to Christ (Revell). 
The Life of Henry Horace Webster (Young 
Men’s Era Pub. Co.) is inspiring, espe- 
cially to young men in college and in city 
business life. 

The teacher may enlarge upon these 
hints for home study, or, better still, spend 
the time that remains of the first hour in 
himself applying them, in the presence of 
the class, to the study of the next lesson 


22 


and of one of the actual cases suggested. 
Reserve a few moments at the close of the 
hour for prayer and for the choice of an 
actual case to be studied at the next 
session of the class. 


SECTION A. 

I. THE PERIOD OF PREPARATION. 


Thirty years and two months. From the birth 
of Jesus to His baptism and temptation. 


I. A Personal Worker Prepared for Serv- 
ice. — In a village home and a 
carpenter’s shop* 

Luke 2: 39-52. Dec., B. C. 5 to Jan., A. D. 27. 

I. The narrow sphere that fitted for the broader 
one. 

(1) The popular impression of Nazareth. 
John 1 : 46. 

(2) The lessons learned in such a fitting 
school from — 

a. Nature. 

The natural scenery amid which He 
grew up. 

I 

* In the earlier outlines not only the lines of study, but some 
of the results are indicated. In the later ones the student is 
thrown more upon his own resources. The teacher is reminded 
that more points are suggested than can be profitably developed 
in class in twenty, or even thirty, minutes. He must, there- 
fore, make selection in advance of those which he considers 
the more important for his class. It may be well to spend two 
lessons on some of the fuller interviews. The student should 
use the points in each outline : ( 1) To stimulate investigation, 
— ask yourself “ How? ” and “ Why?” Think and search them 
out, and see if you agree with them. (2) For personal appli- 
cation, — remember what is implied in the terms “disciple” 
and “apostle,” which describe our relation to Christ. 


i8 


to propagate this method of uniting study 
and work. 

(3) Enroll the members, securing, unless 
already known, information as to correct name 
and address, church membership, experience 
in Christian work in general and personal work 
in particular. Have each member describe the 
situation^ of some person in whose spiritual 
welfare he is specially interested, stating what 
obstacles seem to hinder the development of 
the Christ-life, and what efforts have been 
made to remove them. This will probably 
furnish several cases for study at the earlier 
sessions of the class. 

All this information may most easily be ob- 
tained in writing on blanks prepared in advance 
by the teacher for the purpose. 

2. Dividing the hour. 

Agree upon a regular allotment of the hour of 
the class session, to be closely adhered to. The 
following is suggested : 

(1) Prayer and roll-call (if the report 
blanks are used they are gathered instead of 
calling the names from the roll), — five minutes. 

(2) Review of previous lesson by a member 
of the class appointed the week before, — five 
minutes. 

(3) Study of the incident from the life of 
Christ, — twenty minutes. 

(4) Study of the actual case, — twenty 
minutes. 


T 9 


(5) Reports of personal work and selection 
of a case to be studied at next lesson, — ten 
minutes. 

The hour will generally seem very short. If that 
limit is fixed, however, it should be adhered to. If 
an hour and a quarter is agreed upon as the time 
for the class, thirty minutes may be devoted to the 
study of the incident and twenty-five to the actual 
case. 

3. Hints for private study . 

(1) Of the incident from the Gospels. 

a. Aim (a) to make it speak to you, — 
paraphrase it ; (b) to make it live before 
you, — picture it ; (c) to make it work in 
and through you, — practice it. 

b. Read and re-read it, in the Revised 
Version certainly, in the original Greek 
and in other modern languages than Eng- 
lish, if you can, with pencil and paper to 
note (a) points on which further light is 
needed, (b) helpful thoughts and practical 
lessons. 

c. Examine references, concordance, 
Bible dictionary, and commentaries (more 
than one, if any), until you wider stand the 
meaning of the passage. 

d. Then arrange the material under a 
simple outline, either the one given, or, 
better, one of your own. Where, when, 
who, why, what, are good questions to ask 
in this process. Four items at least will 



20 


always require consideration: — (a) the 
circumstances under which the interview 
occurs ; (b) the character and difficulties of 
the person or persons interviewed ; (c) the 
method and spirit of Jesus ; (d) how we 
may best help in similar cases now. 

e. Illustrate from other parts of Script- 
ure and from Christian experience. 

f. Apply to yourself and your work. 

g . For this private study and in the 
class use a pad or cheap note book. 
Afterwards preserve for future use the 
final product of your study by copying 
neatly into a permanent note book. 

h. Helps. In addition to those usually 
found in a good reference Bible : (a) the 
Revised Version, essential, (b) The In- 
terwoven Gospels , or some other harmony 
of the Gospels in the Revised Version. A 
new one by Broadus (Armstrong, 1893) 
has some new features and valuable notes, 
(c) Kephart’s Chart of the Public Life 
of Christ (Revell), for its graphic repre- 
sentation to the eye of the order and 
locality of the events, (d) Rotherham’s 
Translation of the New Testament (Revell), 
which renders literally and locates the 
emphasis as shown in the Greek original, 
(e) Stalker’s Life of Christ , for its grasp 
of the great periods and ruling ideas; 
Andrews’, for the harmony and the treat- 
ment of critical difficulties; Edersheim’s 


(Randolph) for the Jewish setting and 
spiritual insight. 


(2) Of the actual case. (The term “case” 
is used for lack of a better one and for the 
sake of uniformity with Personal Work.) 

a. Realize that by personal work is 
meant helpful contact with any other per- 
son to awaken or promote in him. the 
Christ-life. 

b. Aim to put yourself in his place, 
then to put yourself in Christ’s place in 
relation to him. 

c. Ask yourself (a) what is his real 

difficulty, — the disease of which his 
objections may be merely symptoms? 
(b) What is the truth that he needs to 
realize ? (c) How can I win entrance, for 

that truth to his heart? (d) Is any case 
parallel to his described in Scripture ? 

d. Helps. In addition to Personal 
Work, already referred to, consult Torrey’s 
How to Bring Men to Christ (Revell). 
The Life of Henry Horace Webster (Young 
Men’s Era Pub. Co.) is inspiring, espe- 
cially to young men in college and in city 
business life. 

The teacher may enlarge upon these 
hints for home study, or, better still, spend 
the time that remains of the first hour in 
himself applying them, in the presence of 
the class, to the study of the next lesson 


22 


and of one of the actual cases suggested. 
Reserve a few moments at the close of the 
hour for prayer and for the choice of an 
actual case to be studied at the next 
session of the class. 


SECTION A. 

I. THE PERIOD OF PREPARATION. 


Thirty years and two months. From the birth 
of Jesus to His baptism and temptation. 


I. A Personae Worker Prepared for Serv- 
ice. — In a village home and a 
carpenter’s shop.* 

Luke 2: 39-52. Dec., B. C. 5 to Jan., A. D. 27. 

1. The narrow sphere that fitted fior the broader 
one. 

(1) The popular impression of Nazareth. 
John 1 : 46. 

(2) The lessons learned in such a fitting 
school from — 

a. Nature. 

The natural scenery amid which He 
grew up. 

/ 

* In tllfe earlier outlines not only the lines of study, but some 
of the results are indicated. In the later ones the student is 
thrown more upon his own resources. The teacher is reminded 
that more points are suggested than can be profitably developed 
in class in twenty, or even thirty, minutes. He must, there- 
fore, make selection in advance of those which he considers 
the more important for his class. It may be well to spend two 
lessons on some of the fuller interviews. The student should 
use the points in each outline: ( 1) To stimulate investigation, 
— ask yourself “ How? ” and “Why ? ” Think and search them 
out, and see if you agree with them. (2) For personal appli- 
cation, — remember what is implied in the terms “disciple” 
and “apostle,” which describe our relation to Christ. 


30 


mony differ? vs. 35, 36. Its effect. 

b. The enlisted men themselves. An- 
drew to bring Simon ; John to bring 
James (?) ; Philip to bring Nathanael. 

On what was their faith based ? 

c. He Himself finds and calls Philip, 
v. 43- 

(2) The spirit shown. 

a. Encouragement. 

Quick ear for the footsteps that 
follow after Him. 

He opens the conversation, draws 
out an expression of their interest, 
invites them to Himself. 

b. Openness, v. 39, R. V., “ Come, 
and ye shall see.” Repeated, v. 46. 

* The best advice for all who doubt 
and question. 

The subject of the interview, as in- 
ferred from its result, v. 41. 


4. Their future. 

(1) The reader of hearts, vs. 42, 47, 48; 

Psa. 139: 1-6, 23, 24. 

(2) The Maker cf men. 

Intercourse with Him makes the Simon 
of to-day the Cephas of the future; the 
guileless Israelite the witness of the glory 
and triumphs of the new Kingdom. 

The Son of Man unites earth with 
heaven. Compare Gen. 2S : 12. 


3 1 


Study Hints: 

1. What does each evangelist mention next 
after the temptation ? 

2. Give any reasons why John is the only 
historian of the early ministry at the Jordan, 
at Cana and in Judaea. 

3. Why do we believe he is giving his own 
experience in this chapter ? 

4. Is there any indication that a sixth (un- 
named) follower was also enlisted at this same 
time ? 

5. Give some of the practical suggestions 
for personal workers of which this incident is 
full, and tell which come home to you with 
closest personal application. 

6. For deeper study of this and other les- 
sons from this Gospel no helps will be found 
more stimulating than Westcott’s Commentary 
on John in The Bible (popularly known as 
“ The Speaker’s ”) Commentary. 


3 2 


IV. With an Educated Man Who Admits 
His Authority but Stumbles at His 
Teaching. — In a private room 
at the Capital. 

John 3: 1 — t 5. Passover, April, A. D. 27. 

1. The connection. 

(1) What makes this interview of the deep- 
est interest ? 

(2) Of what statement in chapter 2 is it a 
result ? of what an illustration ? 

2. The inquirer. 

(1) His character, as shown in this inter- 
view, and the two other passages in which 
John mentions him. 

(2) What did his coming to Jesus with such 
words upon his lips prove concerning — 

a. The effect of Jesus’ miracles ? 

b. His own openness to truth ? 

(3) What was 'the spirit of his question in 
v. 4 ? in v. 9 ? 

(4) What use of pronouns suggests that he 
spoke as a representative of a class ? 

(5) Who now are like him in believing in 
God, but in Jesus only as a teacher , rejecting 
the supernatural because they cannot under- 
stand the “how”? 

3. The Divine Teacher. 

(1) Totally unaffected by the approbation 
of men in high position. 


33 


(2) Starts with fundamental principle, with- 
out the recognition of which all conversation 
would be fruitless. 

(3) Fits His words in every case to answer 
Nicodemus’ thought, and leads him from 
“ fleshly ” to “ spiritual ” things. How ? 

(4) Shows that the explanation he seeks is 
beyond his capacity to receive, and that He 
only whose being is still more mysterious (v. 
13) fully understands it. 

(5) Reiterates the fundamental truth with 
which He began ; illustrates from nature and 
from Scripture ; applies it personally. 

(6) Crowns the interview with the comple- 
mentary truth : The Spirit’s part to regener- 
ate ; man’s part to believe. 

Study Hints: 

1. Where did John get his account of this 
interview ? 

’ 2. What indicates that he was in Jerusalem 

at this time ? What indicates that he had 
fuller acquaintance with Nicodemus than the 
other evangelists? 

3. What emphasis is placed on the two 
great truths of this lesson by their presenta- 
tion by Jesus at this point in His career? Give 
some passages in which they were taught by 
His followers after His death. 


34 


V. With a Woman of Alien Race, Preju- 
diced Mind and Bad Reputation. — 

At a well-side. 

John 4 : 1-42. December, A. D. 27. 

1. The period. 

(1) What indication of time in the story? 
v. 35 - 

(2) How had Jesus spent the eight months 
since the first Passover? Why follow John’s 
footsteps ? 

2. The meeting-place. 

(1) Why “must needs pass through Sama- 
ria”? 

(2) Common ground. The well of their 
common ancestor. Gen. 48 : 22. 

(3) Unconventional but favorable hour and 
place. 

3. The Saviour seeking worshippers for the Father. 

1) His spirit. 

a. How does His conduct agree with 
His statement in vs. 32-34? 

What unfavorable circumstances 
did not hinder Him? How far 
should similar ones influence us ? 

b. Loving the sinner. Indications that 
His face and His manner impressed the 
woman and opened the way for His 
words. 


35 


(2) His method. 

a. A private talk. How essential? 

b. A natural introduction. Asks a 
favor, awakens curiosity. 

c. Offers a free gift. 

Shows its eternal superiority to all 
that the world offers. In what re- 
spects ? 

d. Arouses conviction of her need. 

Lays bare her sin searchingly but 
delicately. 

e. Centres her thought upon Himself. 

Does not ignore her objection about 
worship, but uses it as a stepping-stone 
to higher truth. 

Presents Himself plainly. First out- 
spoken declaration of His Messiah- 
ship. 

(3) The great truths He taught. 

4. The woman seeking water for herself. 

(1) Parched by drought. 

Isolated from her sex. 

Indifferent. Prejudiced. Argumenta- 
tive. 

Sectarian prejudices unquenched by evil 
living. 

(2) Beginning to thirst. 

How shown ? 

(3) Drinking. 

Forgetting her earthly errand in her 
possession of new truth. 


3 6 


(4) Watering others. 

She called it “well,” to draw from (vs. 
11, 12), but found it “spring,” naturally 
outflowing (vs. 6, 14). (See R. V. margin.} 

Leaving men she does not know to tes- 
tify to men she does know. 

Her extreme statement, v. 29. Know- 
ing the worst, He knew it all. 

5. The result. 

(1) Of her testimony, v. 39. 

(2) Of personal experience, v. 42. 

The first to know this broad and blessed- 
truth. 

Study Hints: 

1. How does this lesson strongly emphasize 
the value of personal work ? 

2. How does Jesus answer the woman’s 
question in v. 12 ? 

3. What harvest did Philip later reap from 
this field ? 


37 


VI. With Religious Leaders Who Study 
the Bible but do not Love God. — 
Before the supreme religious 

BODY OF THE NATION. 

John 5: 16-47. Passover, April, A. D. 28. 

1. The occasion. 

Again in Jerusalem. Alone, — to announce 
His- mission to the nation’s rulers. 

The one place that attracted Him — the 
“house of mercy.” 

2. The spiritually dead. 

Evidence of their lack of life. 

The only thing they could see in the miracle 
of grace and power, v. 16. 

The plot to kill the Divine Messenger, v. 18. 
How do men now give evidence of being in 
the same condition ? 

3. “ The voice of the Son of God." 

(1) Doing the Father’s work in the world. 
Not only healing the impotent and suf- 
fering, but quickening the dead, and ap- 
pointed to judge all men. vs. 17, 19-23. 

What results follow belief in His word 
and mission ? 

(2) The Messenger’s abundant credentials. 

a. John the Baptist. See John 1 : 19. 

A lamp (light-vessel) which they 
looked at but were not illuminated by. 

b. Jesus’ works. The miracle unques- 
tioned. 


38 


c. The Father Himself. Who had 
heard His voice? Matt. 3:1 7. 

d. The Scriptures searched without 
profit. How are these witnesses still 
testifying ? 

4. The voice unheeded. 

Ears closed by reason of — 

(1) A stubborn will. John 5: 39. 

(2) Self-love which excluded the love of 
God. vs. 42-44. 

(3) A false hope set on attaining right- 
eousness by the law. vs. 45-47. 

Study Hints: 

1. Whatever time may be devoted in private 
to the mooted question of what feast this was, 
in class avoid discussion and assume that it 
was the Passover. 

2. Note the repeated expressions, “in like 
manner,” “even so,” “even as,” which Jesus 
uses to describe His relation to the Father. 

3. What comfort is there in the reasons 
given for committing all judgment to the Son? 
vs. 22, 27. 

4. In v. 14 see mercy and judgment united. 
What could be worse than thirty-eight years 
of helpless suffering ? 

5. In v. 18 notice the Jews’ understanding 
of Jesus’ claims : “ His owti Father.” Com- 
pare Rom. 8 : 32. 

6. What lessons may be gathered from 
Jesus’ plain dealing with these opposers? 


N 

7X. 



XROL AND DEVELOPMENT. 


t)D. 

RESULTS. 

KEY-TEXT. 

CENTRAL 

TRUTH. 

Service, 

(luence. 

Growth. 

Luke 2 : 49 b. 

God’s supreme 
claims. 

parted 

ation. 

}o God 

K_ 

Equipment. 

Heb. 2 : 18. 

Victory and 
usefulness follow 

I submission and 
trust. 

1 

/TDIJALS. THEN THE PUBLIC PROCLAMATION. 

y and 
ion. 

Enlistment. 

John i : 39 a. 

Jesus’ openness 
and attractive 
power. 

; and 
g fun- 
truth. 

Perplexity; later, 
decision. 

i John 5:1 a. 

Spiritual birth by 
faith in a Divine 
Saviour. 

1 inter- 
ting of 
ring 

Belief and testi- 
mony. 

John 4 : 14 . 

Satisfaction for 
soul-thirst in 
Christ. 

ag the 
onvict- 
alse. 

Embittered 

enmity. 

John 5 : 40. 

The Son of God 
is both life-giver 
and judge. 

f the periods. Under “Place” Christ’s superiority to His 
way in which He utilized all opportunities for influence, 
le interviews His fearlessness, sympathy, spiritual thinking, 
of your study and work since you entered upon the course. 





SECTION B. 


III. THE PERIOD OF WIDENING INFLUENCE. 

One year. From the settlement in Capernaum to 
the death of John the Baptist. 

VII. With the Despised and Outcast. — On 
city streets. 

Mark i : 40-45; 2: 13-17. Early summer, A.D. 28. 

(On the first circuit in Galilee, and during the 
second sojourn in Capernaum. See Andrews’ 
Life of our Lord, revised edition, pp. 243, 319.) 

1. The period. 

Four characteristics of the Galilean minis- 
try mentioned in Mark 1 : 35-39 ? 

City headquarters and country touring. 
Note the abundance of miracles. Mark 1 : 
32 ; Luke 4 : 40. 

2. The patient. 

( 1 ) His hopeless case. 

The nature of the disease. 

Its advanced stage. 

Any previous reports to encourage him? 

(2) His hopeful spirit. 

What adjectives describe him as he ap- 
proaches Jesus? 


40 


How do the three accounts supplement 
rather than contradict each other ? 

What lesson is there in his prayer ? 


3. The Physician. 

(1) His qualifications. 

In busy practice. Tender heart and 
healing touch. 

Willing and able. Returns the leper’s 
own words. 

(2) His directions. 

Their strictness. Their purpose. 

Disobedience and its effects. 

Overwhelmed with bodily healing, hindering 
not helping the spiritual work to which it was 
tributary. Mark 2: 10, 11. 

After retirement (Luke 5 : 16) the way for 
teaching again open (Mark 2 : 13). 


4. A different patient. 

(1) In a bad situation. 

Religion and reputation sacrificed for 
what ? 

(2) Ready to leave it. 

“ Forsook all.” What ? 

(3) Trying to take others with him. 

How does he show his gratitude to 
Jesus ? 

What means does he use to win his old 
associates ? 




4i 


5. The Physician of soul and body. 

(1) His quest of patients. 

a. In the mart of trade. 

What suggestion for men who say, 
“ One must get a living.” 

b. In the feast of society. 

No fear of pollution by contact', or 
of loss of reputation by criticism. 

(2) His principles. 

Go anywhere to those who need you. 
Mercy toward men pleases God more 
than formal worship toward Him. 

The Saviour and Friend of sinners. 

Study Hints : 

1. Compare the three accounts, and notice 
Mark’s vivid, picturesque details. 

2. What fact modestly omitted by Matthew 
is given by Luke ? 




42 


VIII. With Men Who Criticise Christ’s 
Followers. — In the fields and 

AT CHURCH. 

Matt. 12 : i— 21. Early summer, A. D. 28. 
(During the second sojourn.) 

1. The season — 

(1) Of the year. v. 1. 

(2) In Jesus’ career. 

For the first break on the Sabbath ques- 
tion, see interview vi. 

Spies on His track. Mark 2:6, 16; 
Luke 5 : 17. 

2. The critics. 

Determined to find fault. 

Criticising Jesus to His disciples (Mark 2: 
16), and His disciples to Jesus (Mark 2: 18, 
24). 

Their real spirit. John 5: 18; Matt. 12: 14. 
Foiled on one Sabbath, they set a trap on 
another. Luke 6: 6, 7. 

Their standards of judgment not the Scrip- 
tures, but “the tradition of men.” Straining 
at legal righteousness, they called the pluck- 
ing reaping, the rubbing threshing. 

3. The criticised. 

Criticism a poor meal for hungry men. 

Their act expressly permitted in the Law. 
Deut. 23 : 25. 

No need to speak in their own defence. 


43 


4 - The Lord of all. 

(1) To the critics. 

a. Show how He — 

(a) Meets them on their own ground. 
Quotes example of their greatest king 
and their weekly worship. 

(b) Points out their error in their 
failure to understand God’s purposes 
in His ordinances. 

(r) Sets the spirit above the letter, 
the Lord above the temple. 

(d) Shows that to Him alone both 
they and the disciples are account- 
able. 

( e ) Reminds them of former lesson 
not learned. Matt. 9: 10, 13. 

(/) Exposes their hypocrisy and sel- 
fishness. vs. 11, 12. 

(g-) The look for hardening hearts. 
Mark 3 : 5. 

(//) Comes to an issue, yet avoids 
any work that might afford pretext 
for arrest, v. 13. 

b. In which of these steps are we to 
follow Him in meeting the critical now? 

(2) To the criticised. 

The Friend in need. Prompt and pow- 
erful in defence. 

(3) To the helpless paralytic. 

The type of sin’s effects. 

Awakens hope. Requires obedience. 
Makes whole. 


44 


5 - The lessons. 

Help instead of hinder. 

The Sabbath a day not for selfish license, 
but to use under the Lord’s eye in doing good 
and saving life. 

Be fearless of prejudiced criticism. This 
scene is really the threshold to the crucifixion. 

Avoid occasion for just criticism. 

The One on whom to fix the eye. vs. 18-21. 


45 


IX. With a Perplexed Witness Seeking 
the Removal of his Doubts. — 
Through messengers. 

Luke 7 : 18-35. Summer, A. D. 28. 
(During the second circuit.) 

1 . The situation . 

(1) Jesus. 

How engaged? The report that drew 
out the inquiry. 

What kind of men now are likely to at- 
tract the puzzled and disheartened ? 

(2) John. 

a. His character. Christ’s own esti- 
mate. vs. 24-28. 

What made him so great ? Why 
outranked by lesser ones in the King- 
dom ? 

b. His situation now. 

Where? Why? How like but 
greater than Bonnivard at Chillon? 

A great oak bending before a 
mighty tempest. 

2. The question. 

(1) The cause. Was it — 

Compulsory inactivity ? Why specially 
hard for John ? 

The inscrutable providence ? The old 
problem of Psa. 94 : 3, 4. 

The apparent neglect ? In spite of Luke 
4 : 18. 


46 


Disappointment in Christ’s course ? See 
Luke 3:16, 17. 

Has any one now as good reason for seek- 
ing further evidence of Jesus’ Messiahship ? 

(2) The course. 

a. The right place to bring all doubts. 

b. Asking a fundamental question. What 
does it show as to — 

(a) What he does believe ? 

(b) What he realizes? Why no 
word pf personal complaint or peti- 
tion ? 

The answer . 

(1) The convincing evidence. 

a. Facts, not argument. Things (a) 
seen, and (b) heard. 

b. Weightier than the Baptist’s own 
testimony. See John 5: 36. Why? 

c. The climax, — “ the gospel to the 
poor.” Meeting the soul’s need a higher 
work than healing the body or raising the 
dead. 

d. Such works had been prophesied of 
the Messiah. Isa. 29: 18, 19; 35 : 5; 61 : 1. 

(2) The way to use it. 

a. In a sympathetic spirit. No surprise 
or blame, but regard and protection. Why 
did He speak vs. 24-28 ? 

b. Centres attention upon it. 

c. Treats it as sufficient. No vision or 
special interview granted even to John. 


47 


d. Shows the true secret of blessed- 
ness. v. 23. Not change of circum- 
stances, but confidence in Christ. 

Apply all these points to our own contact 
with sincere doubters. 

4. The application. 

Press into the Kingdom of God. Matt. 
11 : 12. 

Your treatment of the evidence shows 
whether you are wise or not. Matt. 11 : 15; 
Luke 7 : 35. 

Beware of “ finding ” in Jesus anything 
which you make a stumbling-block over which 
to fall. Luke 7 : 23. 

Woe to the gospel-hardened (Matt. 11 : 20- 
24) ; but welcome, rest, instruction, and part- 
nership in service’ to the heavy-laden who show 
the spirit of babes (Matt. 11 : 25-30). 

Study Hints: 

1 . Are verses 29 and 30 a statement of fact 
by Luke or by Christ ? 

2. What do you gather from the change of 
pronoun Christ makes in quoting Mai. 3:1? 


4 8 


X. With Representatives of Opposite So- 
cial Classes. — At a public dinner. 

Luke 7 : 36-50. Autumn, A. D. 28. 

(During the second circuit.) 

An incident that tests the affections rather than 
the intellect. St. Gregory speaks of it as “more 
fit to be wept over than commented on.” 

1. The meal. 

(1 ) Table customs of Christ’s day that throw 
light on this scene. See Luke’s account, in 
chapters 11 and 14, of two other meals in 
Pharisees’ homes. 

(2) How does this scene differ from the 
similar one in Matt. 26: 6-13? 

2. The host. 

(1) Why had he invited Jesus? How had 
he treated his guest? 

(2) His attitude toward Jesus? toward the 
penitent sinner ? 

How did he resemble the man whose 
picture Jesus afterwards drew in Luke 
18 : 9-12 ? 

(3) How do people now show the same at- 
titude toward Christ? toward the fallen? 

3. The intruder. 

(1) What emboldened her to come? Was 
it in response to Matt. 1 1 : 28-30 ? 

(2) How welcome to Jesus I The first to 
seek Him not because of bodily suffering but 
of sin. 


49 


(3) The evidences of a renewed heart. 

What were they, and how did they differ 
from the usual conduct of sinful women? 

4. The guest. 

(1) Why, with His knowledge of Simon’s 
heart, did He accept his invitation ? 

(2) His use of His opportunity. 

a. With the Pharisee. 

Reads his heart and answers his 
thought, perhaps his look. 

Calls him by name, and fixes his 
attention. 

Approaches him along the line of 
his own moral bankruptcy. 

Secures his approval of general 
principle, then makes personal ap- 
plication. 

Holds the mirror up to his own 
conduct in the contrasting actions of 
the despised woman. 

Endeavors to awaken the conscious- 
ness of sin that he may seek its par- 
don and love the Pardoner. 

b. With the penitent woman. 

Shows Himself to be more than 
“a prophet.” 

Able not only to read but to change 
hearts. 

Regarded human need and longing, 
but not human prejudices or criti- 
cisms. 

Gave assurance (vs. 48, 50) of par- 
don already bestowed. 


5 ° 


5- The results. 


(1) For Simon. 

(2) For the other guests. 

(3) For the penitent sinner. 

(4) For Jesus. See 8 : 2, 3; though there 
is no authority for identification of this woman 
with Mary Magdalene. 

Study Hints: 

1. Why was Simon lacking in all evidences 
of love ? 

2. How do the two debtors in the parable, 
the two actors in the incident, represent all 
debtors to God? 

3. See how Christ uses the idea of this 
parable, with skilful adaptation, to teach a dif- 
ferent lesson in Matt. 18: 23-35. 

4. In studying this and subsequent lessons 
where Christ makes use of parables, examine 
Trench’s Parables of our Lord. 


5 1 


XI. With Men Who Ascribe the Effects 
of Christianity to Unworthy Causes. 

— In a crowded house. 

Matt. 12: 22-37. Autumn, A.D. 28. 

(During the third sojourn.) 

1 . The undeniable effects. 

Sight and speech follow deliverance from 
demon-possession. 

The impression made upon the populace. 

2. Hatred's false charge. 

The men who make it. Recall from inter- 
views vi and viii the steps by which they have 
reached their present position. 

On hand now to carry out a murderous pur- 
pose. Matt. 12: 14; Mark 3: 22. 

Why resort to the circulation of a slander- 
ous charge ? 

Why ignore the evident, speech and sight, 
and attack the more mysterious, the eviction 
of the demon ? 

How does their conduct prove their own in- 
timate acquaintance with the “ god of dung- 
beetles ” ? 

The more subtle, but no more reasonable, 
positions taken by modern opponents of Chris- 
tianity. 

3. Plain speaking to perverted men. 

(1) Christ summons them to face the truth. 
Mark 3 : 23. 


5 2 


(2) He shows them that their position is — 

a. Unreasonable. 

By reference to their national his- 
tory, and by prophecy of its future, 
v. 25. 

There is an entire absence of mo- 
tive, on their presumption, v. 26. 

Its logical conclusion makes them 
call devil-possessed those who shall 
judge them. v. 27 ; Luke 22 : 30. 

b. Precisely opposite to truth. 

The facts show that the Kingdom 
of God is upon you, though, alas! 
not in you. v. 28. 

The strong man’s property is de- 
spoiled, because he has been bound, 
v. 29. 

You are his if not Mine. v. 30. 

c. Blasphemous and sinful. 

Ascribing these works to devilish 
powers is blasphemy against their 
author, the Spirit of God (v. 31), 
which is an eternal and unpardon- 
able sin (v. 32), committed by men 
who persist in perverting the truth 
(v. 33), show their devilish parentage 
and evil hearts (v. 34) by their utter- 
ances (v. 35) by which, as revealing 
the heart, men shall be judged (vs. 
36, 37)* 

(3) He prophesies the outcome of their 


course. 


53 


Your hatred shall culminate in the one 
most conclusive sign of My Messiahship. 
vs. 38-40. 

Your privileges will be your condemna- 
tion. vs. 41, 42. 

My work for this generation, if it ad- 
mits Me not into its emptied house, will 
only prove its ruin. vs. 43-45. How ful- 
filled ? 

(4) Then shows the contrasting picture. 

The blessedness of those who hear and 
obey. v. 50. 

The Kingdom He has come to estab- 
lish, and how to enter it. Chapter 13. 

The course His disciples are to follow 
with such opponents. See Matt. 10: 24- 
33. Probably spoken in direct allusion to 
this incident. 

Study Hint : 

What help does this lesson afford in dealing 
with those who, while penitent, yet fear that 
they have committed the sin against the Holy 
Ghost ? 

REVIEW 2. — SECTION B. 

Let the teacher make a diagram of the five les- 
sons of this section similar to that already given 
for Review 1, and fill in all the columns, making 
his statements as concise and suggestive as possible. 
Enlarge this, place it before the class, and quiz them 
upon its contents. 

Observe the length of the period, and the single 
receptive province in which all the interviews occur. 


54 


See how the studies bear out the title applied to 
the period, and how this accords with the fact that 
the interviews, while private in application, neces- 
sarily occur in the presence of a crowd. Under 
“ Persons ” note their general unattractiveness of 
character, and the two extremes of society to which 
they belong. Under “ Situation ” see Him con- 
stantly “ on the go.” Under “ Method ” and “ Re- 
sults ” gather the most impressive practical applica- 
tions. Drill on the “ Key-texts,” to see that they 
are firmly fixed in the memory. Study the sim- 
plicity, and yet wide application, of the Gospel in 
the “Central Truths.” 


SECTION C 


IV. THE PERIOD OF MISUNDERSTANDING 
AND OPPOSITION. 

Six months. From the attempt to make Him 
King to His journey to the Feast of Tabernacles. 


XII. With Followers Whose Faith is 
Being Severely Tested. — On a 
stormy lake. 

Matt. 14 : 22-33. April, A. D. 29. • 

(During the fifth circuit.) 

A wonderful story told by three eye-witnesses, 
Matthew, Peter (by Mark), and John, for the en- 
couragement of later disciples. 

1 . The wave of popular favor. 

The success of the first apostolic mission. 
Mark 6 : 12, 13, 30, 31. 

The eager crowd that robbed them of rest. 
Mark 6 : 33. 

The result of the miracle of bounty. John 
6 : 14, 15. 

The influence of this attempt — 
a. Upon Jesus. Mark 6: 46. 

The hillside vigil that prepared for 
the next day’s testing. 


56 


b. Upon the disciples. Mark 6 : 45. 
Unwillingly sent away from a move- 
ment with which they were only too 
sympathetic. 

How does popular approval of Christianity 
nowadays often betray its followers into wrong 
attitudes toward Christ and the world ? 


The wind of violent opposition. 

The long struggle in the dark with opposing 
forces. 

Hard work, with little progress, though, 
in the path of obedience. 

Their condition toward morning, — 

a. Of body. 

b. Of mind. What doubts may have 
filled their minds concerning their Mas- 
ter’s foreknowledge, power, love ? 

Their dulled vision. 

Turning their best Friend into a terrify- 
ing spectre. 

Their impetuous leader’s bold attempt and 
failure. 

The cause of all their trouble, — imperfect 
knowledge of Christ. 

They could not appreciate His unwill- 
ingness to be crowned King in opposition 
to Ilerod or Caesar. 

If they remembered Matt. 8 : 24-26, 
how did they limit His power to help? 
The deeper lesson now to be learned ? . 


57 


Taking the eye off of Him, even after 
His presence is recognized, and fixing it 
upon the surrounding dangers. 

The way out. 

The model prayer for help: “Lord — 
save — me ! ” 

The Lord of wave and wind. 

(1) His purpose. 

The end in view in this. test. 

(2) His method. 

Sends His own away from Him for 
their good. 

Places them where they need a deliver- 
ance that cannot come from popular favor 
or any earthly power. 

Though needing rest Himself, watches 
and prays. Is He still thus engaged ? 

When He sees the limit of human en- 
deavor reached, He comes to them. Isa. 
4 3: 2 - 

Shows Himself in a new aspect of His 
power, passing calmly over the obstacles 
which threaten to engulf them. 

Draws near, but waits, before entering, 
to be recognized and welcomed. Com- 
pare Luke 24 : 28. 

Calms fear by cheering words in the 
voice that reveals His personality. 

Submits Himself to the test in which 
love mingles with doubt and presumption. 

Immediately stretches out the saving 
hand to the sinking, and then chides the 
unbelief that caused the failure. 


58 


Enters the boat, and to the miracle of 
peace adds that of progress. John 6: 21. 

(3) The effect. 

Imperfect. Why? Mark 6: 52. 

Peter’s great lesson a year later — sub- 
stantially a repetition of this scene — un- 
necessary if this one had been learned and 
remembered. 

Apply the lessons of the incident to our own 
Christian experience, and suggest ways of .using - 
them to help other struggling, discouraged fol- 
lowers. 


59 


XIII. With Men Who are Seeking the 
Loaves and Fishes. — In a city 
church. 

John 6: 22-71. Passover, April, A. D. 29. 

(During the sixth sojourn.) 

1 . The place of meeting, v. 59. 

Familiar. See interview 8. (Perhaps part of the 
conversation before entering the synagogue. See 
Canon Westcott, in The Bible Commentary .) 

The two “signs” that gathered this audi- 
ence. 

The first lesson in which we see Christ 
dealing with different groups in one crowd 
of listeners. 

2. The seekers. 

(1) Their persistence. 

The remnant of the fed “multitude” 
who would not be sent away. 

Baffled in their purpose (v. 15), and 
puzzled by His disappearance (vs. 22-24), 
they seek Him at His headquarters. 

(2) Their attitude toward Him, as revealed 
by their questions. 

v. 25. Curious and perplexed. What 
was their idea of the Messiah-King ? 

v. 28. Expecting to please God, by 
what ? Catch His word, “ work,” but miss 
His-other word, “give.” 

vs. 30, 3t. The feeding not regarded 
as a “sign” to convince, but a privilege to 
be repeated, like the manna. 


6o 


v. 34. How earnest and sincere ? 

What people in our day might find their por- 
traits here ? 

3. The other listeners. 

(1) The Jews. 

Evidence of greater prejudice, vs. 41, 
5 2 - 

Their stumbling-block. Their unspirit 
ual ideas. 

See Nicodemus’ difficulty (John 3) re- 
appearing in their words. 

(2) Disciples. 

What made the teaching hard to them ? 
Mark 6 : 52. 

4. The Bread of Life offering Himself to men. 

(1) To the multitude. 

Treats them frankly, v. 26. Shows 
them their real motives. 

Sets before them the true object of 
search and effort. 

Shows them how it is to be had. 
x Corrects their misapplication of Scrip- 

ture. See Psa. 78 : 24. 

Directs them to the Giver (v. 32), then 
to the Gift (vs. 33, 35), and to what He 
does for the receiver (vs. 33, 35, 39, 40). 

(2) To the Jews. 

Rebukes the murmuring spirit. 

Refers to Scripture to show that their 
attitude toward Him proves whether or 
not they have learned God's lesson. 


Reiterates the unaccepted truth (vs. 48, 
51), and adds the further truth of the 
“ breaking” (v. 51). 

Does not answer the “ how ” about which 
they wrangle, but presses home upon them 
the fact. 

(3) To the disciples. 

Gives still higher truth, v. 62. 

Lifts their thoughts above the material, 
to anchor their faith in the great truths 
He has been declaring, v. 63. 

Review and apply the four “ verily, verily ”s, 
Christ uses in this conversation. 

The reception of the Bread. 

(r) By the multitudes. 

Unstated. They retire behind the more 
positive Jews. 

(2) By the Jews. See 7 : 1. 

( 3 ) By the disciples. Weeded out the band. 

The anchors that held the Eleven. See 

Bruce’s Training of the Twelve. 

a. Sincerity and earnestness. 

b. Clear perception of the alternatives. 

c. Knowledge of the Holy One. 

So Simon Peter feeds upon the 
Bread, and passes It on to us to take 
and eat. 


62 


XIV. With One who Loves Him, but Mis- 
conceives His Mission. — At a place 

OF RETIREMENT AND PRAYER. 

Matt. 16: 13-20; Mark 8: 31-9: 1. Autumn, 
A. D. 29. 

(During the eighth circuit.) 

An interview full of most vital truths. Give it 
a double portion of prayerful study. 

1. The spirit of the times. 

(1) His claims rejected once more by the 
Nation’s leaders, He devotes Himself to His 
disciples. 

(2) After Matt. 15: 1-14 even Galilee un- 
safe. 

(3) Still working and teaching, but with a 
sad heart (Mark 7 : 3458; 12), and with in- 
junctions to silence (Mark 7:36; 8: 26,30; 
9: 9). Why? 

2. The training class. 

(1) The need of it. Matt. 16: 5-12. 

(2) The place of meeting. . How suitable? 

(3) The preparation. Luke 9: 18. 

3. The topic, v. 1 3. 

The term He applies to Himself. Why ? 

(1) The popular opinions. 

What in His character and conduct 
may have given rise to each ? 

What was present in the popular ver- 
dict? What lacking? 


6 3 


What are popular opinions now ? 

How much does Jesus care for what 
people think of Him t 

(2) The conviction of one disciple, v. 16. 

a. What it involved. 

b. How it had been obtained. 

c. Steps through which He had reached 
it. See John 1:41; Luke 5 : 8; Matt. 
14 : 30 ; John 6 : 68. 

d. What it leads to. Blessedness (v. 
17); usefulness (vs. 18, 19). 

How far is the stewardship of the 
“ Keys ” which admit men to the 
Kingdom entrusted to all confessors 
who have the Holy Spirit ? See John 
20 : 23 and Luke 24 : 33, 36. 

(3) The truth yet to be learned. Mark 8: 31. 

a. Previous intimations of it. John 2: 
19; 3: 14; 6: 51; Matt.- 10: 38; 12: 40. 

Now, after confession of Ilis divin- 
ity, and in connection with the object 
lesson of His glory (Matt. 17 : 1-8), to 
be taught openly. 

b. The well-meant but presumptuous 
denial of it by the disciple who has just 
been praised. 

c. The stern rebuke. Intended for Pe- 
ter only ? 

A wile of the devil. See Eph. 6 
11, 12. 

From foundation stone to stum- 
bling-block. Matt. 16: 23. 


64 


The cause of failure now (Matt. 16: 
23); of success before (Matt. 16: 17). 
d. The promise of a glorious vision for 
some who are now dull scholars. Mark 
9: i. 

What suggestions may we gather 
from this double scene with Peter as 
to how we may help those who have 
but partial views of Christ and His 
mission ? 

4. The application to all. vs. 34-38. 

Even in His retirement, the multitude never 
far from His thoughts and His presence. 

The procession of cross-bearers following be- 
hind their Lord. See Gal. 5 : 24. 

Deny self, — that is, my own mastership. See 
Matt. 26: 34, and Titus 2: 12, where same 
Greek verb is used as here. 

Confess Christ, — that is, His Lordship over 
me. 

Life to be spent for Him and His Gospel; 
not hoarded for self and therefore forfeited. 
Compare Luke 17: 33 and John 12: 25; and 
see Rotherham’s foot-note on Matt. 2 : 20. 

Place Christ’s estimate on this world (vs. 36, 
37); and live in the light of the glorious coming 
age (v. 38). 

Upon whom especially should these truths 
be pressed home, and how are we to do it ? 

Study Hints: 

1. Why does Mark report Christ’s rebuke 
of Peter but not His approval and promise ? 


65 


2. Do not spend time in class in discussing 
whether Christ meant Peter or his confession 
by “this rock” in v. 18, but note that the 
promise of v. 19 is repeated to all the apostles 
in Matt. 18 : 18. 

3. Examine Peter’s first Epistle for evi- 
dences that he fuLy learned the lesson taught 
him here. 


66 


XV. With a Follower who Shows an In- 
tolerant Spirit. — In a familiar 

PLACE OF RESORT. 

Mark 9 : 33-50. Autumn, A. D. 29. 

(During the last sojourn.) 

1 . A nother session oj the training class. 

(1) The lesson they had found hard to 
learn. Mark 9 : 30-32. 

(2) The subject that had occupied their 
thoughts. What recent events may have led 
to the dispute? What did it show as to their 
relation to His Kingdom ? 

(3) The meeting place, — “the house.”' 
Was it Simon’s ? See Mark 1 : 29 ; 2 : 1. 

2. The Teacher's method. 

(1) Private and personal. In His choice of 
place and time. 

Was the question in v. 33 asked of all 
the Twelve ? 

(2) Authoritative. In the position as- 
sumed. 

(3) Practical. In the topic chosen. 

(4) Awakening. In the way it is intro- 
duced. 

(5) Pithy. In the principle announced. 

(6) Effective. - In the object lesson pre- 
sented. Aims at the source of the dispute. 
See Luke 9 : 47. 

Its two parts, (a) By His side. Near- 
ness and resemblance, (b) In His arms. 


67 


Protection and identification. On these 
greatness depends. 

How well have we learned this lesson ? 

3. The confession. 

(1) The material out of which Christ made 
“the beloved.” See Mark 3: 17, and, even 
after this scene, Luke 9 : 51-54, and Matt. 20 
20-28. In the latter incident, note the influ- 
ence of his mother, who was probably the aunt 
of Jesus. 

(2) What suggested this confession ? What 
does it show of the effect of Jesus’ work? 
What of John’s character? What inspired 
the disciples’ course ? What should they have 
done to this worker ? 

How do disciples in our own day follow 
their example ? 

4. The instruction. 

(1) The act condemned and the reason 
stated. 

(2) True principles of conduct taught. 

a. Encourage those who follow even at 
a distance. 

b. Our treatment of Christ’s humblest 
followers the test of our reward or con- 
demnation. 

c. Better death by drowning, better loss 
of half the physical senses, than to trip 
yourself or another up in the race for eter- 
nal life, and fall into unending torment of 


remorse. 


68 


d. Treasure in yourselves the salt-pre- 
servative of grace and show its effects in 
your contact with others. 

e. Follow the example of the Good 
Shepherd. Matt. 18 : 10-14. 

Study Hints: 

1. Compare Mark 9: 40 with Luke 11 : 23, 
and see how each is explained by the context. 

2. Compare Mark 9 : 43-48 with the sim- 
ilar teaching, based on the Seventh Command- 
ment, in the Sermon on the Mount. 

3. Meditate on this message as the closing 
one of our Lord’s Galilean ministry. Having 
presented Himself to the disciples as the Glori- 
fied Lord and the Suffering Saviour, He now 
shows them the Kingdom of the Prince of 
Peace in contrast with the realm of fire. 


6 9 


XVI. With Mf.n who Misuse their Privi- 
leges. — At a family conference. 

John 7 : i-io. October, A. D. 29. 

1. The relationship relied upon . 

Blood kinship. Mark 6 : 3. 

Probably thirty years of intercourse in the 
same home. 

Perhaps older. 

Brothers after the flesh, but not yet after the 
.Spirit. 

2. The attempt to direct Christ. 

Earlier interference. Mark 3: 21, 31. 

Recent “works” in obscure places. 

After eighteen months’ absence, disciples in 
Judea and those attending the feasts should 
have “signs.” 

Reasonable advice from worldly standpoint. 

Seek prominence. Win men of influence. 

What similar efforts are made now to direct 
the progress of Christ’s Kingdom without per- 
sonal submission to His leadership? 

3. The Master's principles. 

His feast not that of joy but of sacrifice; 
not Pentecost, therefore, but what ? 

His attitude to the world, — not a suppliant 
for support, but a witness against evil. 

He will indeed manifest Himself in power, 
but not until the cup He must drink is full. 

Meanwhile He does go quietly to teach and 
shine upon those who will see. vs. 14, 17. 

Wherein lies the radical difference between 
Himself and His advisers ? 


7 ° 


Later contact, i Cor 1 5 : 7. • 

After the “manifestation” on the Cross He 
appears to the leader of this group, who then,, 
if not earlier, rests his faith on Him. 

A lesson in perseverance. The truth which 
serves to convince when familiarity with Jesus f 
life has not. 

5. The higher relationship realized. James 1 : 1 \ 
Jude 1. 

Servant in the Lord higher than brother in 
the flesh. See Mark 3:35. 

Do for others what Jesus did for James^ 
James 5 : 19, 20. 

Study Hint: 

On the vexed question of whether these 
“brethren ” were sons of the same mother as 
Jesus much has been written, which is clearly 
summed up by Andrews, p. hi, last edition. 
The conclusion does not affect the application 
of the lesson, and the point should not be in- 
troduced for discussion in the class. 


7 1 


XVII. With Men too Wise in Their Own 
Conceit to Learn Anything. — At the 

NATIONAL PLACE OF ASSEMBLY. 

John 7 : 14-52. October, A. D. 29. 

1. The place and the time. 

How does this appearance differ from His 
former and His final appearances in Jerusalem ? 

How does it show His courage and also His 
wisdom ? vs. 7, 10. 

2. The Lord's test. v. 17. 

3. His application of it. 

(1) To the multitude, vs. 21-24. 

Refers to the “sign” He had given on 
His last visit. 

Shows the injustice of their bitter- 
ness against Him. 

(2) To the Jews. vs. 16, 28. 

Shows them Himself, true in teach- 
ing, righteous in dealing. 

Shows them themselves, every one un- 
righteous, and seeking to kill the God-sent 
One. 

Their reception of Him due to what ? 

(3) To the whole assembly, vs. 33, 34. 
Your time of opportunity is short. 

Your unlikeness to Me will separate you 

from Me forever. 


72 

(4) To the whole world, vs. 37, 38. 

The custom which may have suggested 
the figure. See Edersheim, vol. ii, 
chap. vii. 

Thirst, come, drink, — acts involving 
will and decision. 

Then spontaneous, abundant outflow 
toward others. 


4. The results of the test. 

(1) The multitude, vs. 12, 20, 31, 40, 43. 
Repeat the false charges of the Jews, 

but open to conviction, as they recall His 
works and hear His words. 

(2) The Jews. vs. 1 1, 13, 1 5, 25-27, 30, 35. 
Marvel at His teaching, but, confused 

by tradition, influenced by rulers, incensed 
by His plain words, they will not seek 
Him while they may. 

(3) The chief priests and Pharisees, vs. 
32, 47-49, 52. 

Failing to heed their own counsel, 
blinded by their own conceit and prejudice, 
they follow the course which brings a curse 
upon their own heads. 

(4) Nicodemus. v. 50. 

Answers the question of v. 48. 

Growing acquaintance with Jesus in- 
creases his courage. 

Pleads for lawful and fair consideration. 


73 


What leads him to take a different atti- 
tude toward Jesus from theirs, and will 
have the same effect now ? 

Study Hint: 

Try to put yourself in Christ’s place, and 
make a special study of His spirit toward such 
men as these under such circumstances. 


74 


XVIII. With One Who has Learned but 
Little, yet Knows that Little well. 

— On a city thoroughfare. 

John 9: 1-41. October, A. D. 29. 

1. The darkness in which the light shone. 

(A sombre picture of human hearts from which 
Christ is shut out.) 

(1) The Jewish leaders. 

a. Evidences of their blindness. See 
them groping in 8: 13, 19, 22, 25, 27, 
53 * 57 - 

b. Reasons for it suggested in 8 : 12, 
2 3 » 34 , 37 , 44 , 47 , 55 - 

Twisted by their legal preconceptions. 
9: 16, 24, 29. 

c. Endeavoring not only to exclude but 
to extinguish the light. 

Trap to place Him in opposition 
to the law. 8 : 1-1 1. 

Attempt to stone. 8 : 59. 

Extreme measures to prevent others 
from seeing. 9 : 22. 

Attempt to discredit the bestowal 
of light (vs. 18, 19), and then, ignor- 
ing the result, to find some ground of 
accusation in the method, v. 26. 

(2) The neighbors. 

Incredulous. 

Chiefly concerned with breach of law. 


75 


(3) The parents. 

Fearful. 

Chiefly concerned for their own safety. 

(4) The disciples. 

Speculative. 

Chiefly concerned with the origin rather 
than the removal of evil. 

The Pharisees’ opinion, v. 34. 

Christ’s, vs. 3-5. 

A profound reason for affliction — to 
make God known. 

2. The light bestowed. 

(1) The bestower. 

An object lesson of His teaching. 8:12; 

9 = 5 - 

(2) The day for such work. 

vs. 4, 14. 

(3) The claim — human need. 

Unsought. 

Blind from birth — a type of sin's 
thorough helplessness. 

A beggar seeking help but not cure. 

(4) The method. 

Entirely insufficient to human reason. 

Involving obedience, based on con- 
fidence in Him who directs. 

Removing clay (see 2 Cor. 4 : 3, 4, R.V.) 
that sight bestowed may be used. 

Bathing in Pool Siloam. (The “Sent” 
One from God.) 

What excuses or difficulties might have 
kept him in his beggar’s seat ? 


7<5 


3. The light snin*ng. 

(1) Upon the neighbors. 

Those who knew Him best. 

A straightforward testimony. 

(2) Upon the Pharisees. 

Courageous under fire. 

v. 1 5. Briefer. 

The essential facts for the prejudiced. 

v. 25. Matches His knowledge against 
theirs. 

Knows little yet of the worker but 
everything of the work. 

vs. 30-33. The inevitable conclusion 
based on the incontestable fact. 

4. The light increased. 

(1) The Friend for the friendless as well as 
the Light for the blind. 

Compare His treatment of the man with 
that of the Pharisees. 

Draws out such belief as he alreadv has. 

Reason for His choice of title tor 
Himself? 

“ Seen ” now, as by the blind man, with 
the eye of faith, He talks with men (Rev. 
3 : 20) to win their love and worship. 

(2) The growth of faith. 

Trace the steps in the blind man’s ac- 
quaintance with Jesus from v. 11 to v. 38. 

Study Hints : 

1. Reflect on the glorious testimony borne 
to the new follower by enemies, v. 28. 


77 


2. Learn the one best lesson for personal 
workers from the conduct of the blind man 
and from that of the Lord in this scene. 

REVIEW 3. — SECTION C. 

Have each student prepare a chart of the inter- 
views of this section similar to those for Reviews 
1 and 2. Let these be handed to the teacher when 
the class gathers, and returned, after examination 
by him, at the next session. Let the teacher have 
ready on a large blackboard, or on large sheets of 
paper or cardboard, the skeleton of the chart. Let 
the students use their Bibles, but no notes. Call 
on one student for the facts from interview xti 
required for each column. If not given satisfac- 
torily, draw out rapidly from other members, and 
enter on the chart in the presence of the class. Do 
the same for the remaining interviews. Use the 
words suggested by the class, wherever they convey 
the right idea. If not, substitute your own, but 
keep the minds alert and write speedily. When 
the chart is before the class, inspect each column. 
Show how the interviews of this period harmonize 
with its title. Divide the persons addressed into 
two general classes. Observe the larger measure 
of attention devoted in private to disciples. Sum- 
marize what He teaches about Himself to them 
and what to outsiders. Note how largely the 
results are progressive, not conclusive. Drill on 
the key-texts. 


SECTION D. 


V. THE APPROACH TO THE GOAL. 

Six months. From His farewell to Galilee to 
His entry into Jerusalem. 

XIX. With Men of Good Impulses but no 
Settled Purpose. — Starting on the 

ROAD TO SACRIFICE. 

Luke 9: 51, 57-62. November, A. D. 29. 

(See also Matt. 8 : 18-22; 10: 34-39.) 

1. The point of time. v. 51. 

Its brevity leads to steadfast concentration 
on work remaining to be done. 

Turning His back on Galilee, He moves 
through Peraea (Matt. 19: 1, 2), on a “slow cir- 
cuit whose final goal is Jerusalem.” — Meyer. 

Luke describes the journeying; John, two 
brief trips which are taken during its progress, 
Luke 9: 51-13: 35, — Trip to the Feast of 
Dedication (John 10: 22-39), — Luke 14: 1 — 
17: 10*, — Trip to Bethany to raise Lazarus, 
and retirement to Ephraim (John 10: 40-11: 
54), — Luke 17: Ti-19: 28, with which Matt. 
19 : 3 - 20 : 34 and Mark 10 are parallel. 

Seventy forerunners precede and proclaim 
Him as Messiah. Luke 10: 1,16. “The twelve 

* This order is that of Andrews. Kephart inserts visit to 
Bethany at Luke 18: 14, instead of at Luke 17: 10. 


79 


apostles were sent to declare the coming of the 
Kingdom, these, the coming of the King.” — 
Lightfoot. 

A time, therefore, of public heralding, cross- 
facing, purpose-testing. 

2. Three would-be followers tested. 

(r) The man of impulse. 

If the same man Matthew mentions in 
8 : 19, what were probably his ideas of the 
Kingdom, and his motive in enlisting? 

Which kind of seed growth, described 
in Luke 8: 1 1— 1 5, does this man illus- 
trate ? 

How does Christ later picture such men 
in Luke 14: 28-32? 

What is the personal application to him 
conveyed in the pathetic statement of v. 
58? Compare Luke 14: 27, 33. 

Many like him now, without penitence 
for sin or renunciation of self, desire to 
turn over a new leaf, and think it a wise 
step to unite with the church. What 
teaching do they need? 

(2) The man with other pressing duties. 

His relationship to Christ. See Matt. 
8: 21. How does he recognize it in the 
term he applies to Him ? 

What was wrong with his request? 
Was he desiring opportunity to observe 
one of the commandments? Was he 
breaking the sum of them? Luke 10; 
26, 27. 


8o 


How were Christ’s claims and the duty 
He assigned paramount ? 

What inferior excuses now satisfy men 
for their failure to herald the King ? Do 
they satisfy Him ? 

(3) The man with hindering ties. 

What lesson included by Christ in the 
commission of the Twelve had this man 
not learned? Matt. 10: 37. 

What word in his petition, as well as in 
the preceding one, conflicted with Matt. 
6 : 33 ? 

3. The principle proclaimed. 

Eyes front for a straight furrow, v. 62. 

Ballast overboard to reach the sky. Luke 
M: 33. 

Weights off to win the race. Heb. 12 : 1. 

“ Looking away unto our faith’s Princely 
Leader and Completer, Jesus.” Heb. 12: 2, 
Rotherham’s translation. 


Note. — Andrews identifies the interviews held with the 
first two of these men with those recorded in Matt. 8: 18-22, 
and locates them about a year previous. For our purposes it 
is advantageous to group the three as Luke does. 


8i 


XX. With One Who Tries to Justify him- 
self. — In a new field. 

Luke io: 25-37. November, A.D. 29. 

1 . The questioner. 

(1) His profession. 

Christ’s verdict on men belonging to it. 
Luke 11 : 46-52. 

(2) His spirit. 

Desires to sound the depths of the Mas- 
ter’s mind. 

Shows correct knowledge of the theory 
of righteous living. Where did he gain it? 

How does the question in v. 29 aim at 
self-justification? Why did he feel it 
necessary ? Had any one accused him ? 

How do men now who know the truth, 
but do not obey it, attempt the same im- 
possibility ? 

What question would have been more 
acceptable to Jesus, and would have had 
a different answer? 

2. The Master's great lesson. 

(1) His purpose. 

How like that in His conversation with 
Simon the Pharisee ? 

(2) His method. 

Returns test question upon the man 
who has had abundant opportunity to 
learn its answer. 

Bids him make personal application of 
his knowledge. 


82 


Takes him on his own ground. Failure 
in less involves failure in greater, i John 
4 : 20. 

Replies not to the question of v. 29, but 
to its spirit. 

Interpreting the law of neighborly love, 
draws a picture to show the lawyer his 
own heart. 

How does the conduct of the priest and 
the Levite show the same spirit as the 
lawyer’s question ? 

Why would the contrasting figure of 
the Samaritan be peculiarly searching in 
its application ? 

Shows the great gulf between knowing 
and doing. See James 1 : 22-25. 

Throughout the interview uses the law 
to accomplish its ultimate purpose. Rom. 
3: 20; Gal. 3: 24. 

The question that convicts, v. 36. Com- 
pare with v. 29. 

How much did the lawyer learn ? v. 37. 

(3) His own example. 

How had He been treated by Samari- 
tans, probably just before this? 

Who constantly won His sympathy and 
help ? 

The price He paid for their sakes. 
2 Cor. 8:9; Matt. 20 : 28. 

What limits did He put upon neigh- 
borly obligation for Himself and His fol- 
lowers ? 


83 


The way to find those needing help. v. 
3 7. Go journeying, not stay at home dis- 
cussing. 

What is the best course for us to follow 
in dealing with the self-satisfied ? 


8 4 


XXI. With One Who Tries to Make Use 

of Him for Selfish Ends. — In 

a CROWD. 

Luke 12 : i, 13-34- November, A. D. 29. 

1. The selfish interruption. 

(1) How inopportune ! In close connection 
with — 

a. What experiences with the Scribes 
and Pharisees ? 

b. What popular eagerness to hear 
Him? 

c. What teaching given publicly to His 
friends ? 

(2) How selfish and sordid! 

How unlike the widow’s petition in 
Luke 18 ? 

How much did he care for Christ or 
His teachings ? 

What was he seeking? 

(3) The same spirit now. 

Minds full of worldly thoughts, even 
while listening to Christ’s teachings. 

Joining the church for worldly advance- 
ment. 

Asking God for temporal blessings while 
the heart is withheld from Him. 

2. The incisive reply. 

(1) Rebuke. 

How had he mistaken Christ’s mission ? 

The object of Christ’s plainness of 
speech ? 




8 <; 


(2) Warning. 

Why spoken to all ? 

What light does it throw on the man’s 
motive ? on his view of life ? 

A bondage to keep free from. Heb. 
13: 5 > R-V. 

(3) A word-picture of his ideal, vs. 16-21. 

a. The rich man viewed through men’s 
eyes : — prosperous, self-made, exemplary. 

b. Through God’s eyes: — one word de- 
scribes him. 

His three errors concerning the life- 
long objects of his thought and endeavor: 

(a) As to their ownership. To 
whom did he owe them ? Compare 
with his view David’s (1 Chron. 29: 
14-16), and Paul’s (1 Tim. 6: 17-19, 
R. V.). 

( b ) As to their use. Like the prodi- 
gal’s husks. 

(c) As to his enjoyment of them. 

The missing item in his cal- 
culations. Mark 8 : 36. 

A sight draft his riches could 
not pay. 

(4) True principles of life. vs. 22-34. 

To worry as foolish as to covet. Both 
show lack of acquaintance with God. 

What former teaching is re-echoed in 
v. 31?. 

What later parable has its germ in 
v. 32? 


86 


The Christian’s treasure where his 
Lord is. 

How may the Christian follow his 
Lord in winning from the love of money 
those who are setting their hearts upon it ? 






87 


XXII. With One Who Treats Salvation 
as a Subject of Speculation. — On 

THE ROAD AGAIN. 

Luke 13: 22-35. December, A. D. 29. 

1. The question. 

What may have suggested it, — in the cir- 
cumstances or the preceding teaching? 

With whom was it a common theme of dis- 
cussion ? 

Men’s opinions about it. 

2. The questioner. 

(1) His ancestry, v. 28. His view of Jesus. 
His cast of mind. 

(2) Men now who in effect ask the same 
question : 

a. Those who like to go with the crowd 
— are easily influenced by surroundings. 

b. Those who speculate about God’s 
dealings with the heathen. 

c. Those who believe God will not per- 
mit any to be lost. 

d. Those who discuss and speculate, 
listen and say, “ Lord, Lord,” but do not 
break away and follow. Matt. 7 : 21. 

Which of these classes does the ques- 
tioner here resemble most ? 

3. The answer. 

For him, and them, and us. 

(1) What does it not contain ? Why? 


88 


(2) What it does contain. 

a . Personal application. Compare Matt. 
7 : 14. On what is the thought centred 
there ? on what here ? 

The narrow door — the only en- 
trance — admits the man himself, but 
not his idols also. 

Strive (act like a man pressing 
through an opposing crowd into a 
door which may any instant close), 
versus seek (merely desire, and, too 
late, ask admission on ground of 
privileges neglected). 

b. Warning. 

Neglected privileges and forefathers’ 
faith will not admit, only condemn. 

Those who fail to do right (v. 27), 
as well as those who are lawless (Matt. 
7 : 23, see Rotherham’s translation), 
banished from His presence. 

Conscious and bitter existence after 
probation is ended. 

c. Prophecy. 

Others will press into the place you 
fail to take. 

4. The Pharisees' warning, vs. 31-35. 

(1) Its purpose. Not only unwilling to enter, 
but anxious to silence the invitation to others. 

(2) Its answer. The spirit needed by the 
questioner of v. 23. 

(3) The Saviour’s longing cry over those 
who “will not” be gathered to Him. 


8 9 


Study Hints: 

1. Compare the Saviour’s words here with 
the almost identical teaching in Matt. 7 and 8, 
and observe the adaptation to the occasion in 
each case. 

2. Of what later parable have we the germ 
in v. 25 ? in v. 28 ? 

3. To understand v. 30, study Ilis later ex- 
planation of it in Matt. 19: 30,-20: 16. (See 
Rotherham on last verse.) 


9 ° 


XXIII. With Men Who Ask for the Truth; 

BUT WILL NOT ACCEPT IT. — IN THE 

house of God. 

John io: 22-42. December, A. D. 29. 

1 . The inquirers. 

Earnest but not teachable. 

What did this feast commemorate? What 
hopes which it served to keep alive warped 
their views of the Christ ? 

Upon whom would they, if they could, shift 
the responsibility for their unbelief ? 

How now do men try to bend Christ and His 
religion to their plans, rather than yield alle- 
giance to Him ? 

2. Christ's plain teaching. 

(1) He points out — 

a. The sufficient testimony they had 
had. 

Recall what He had taught them,, 
particularly interviews vi and xvii. 

b. The abundant evidence He had of- 
fered them. 

What did His works prove as to — 
{a) His relation to the Father? 
(b) The nature of His mission? 

c. Their real position. Outside the 
fold. 

Proved by their failure to hearken 
to the voice of Him who bestows 
eternal life, and keeps His sheep in 


9 1 


safety, because He and the Father 
are one. (See Canon Westcott’s note 
on v. 30 in The Bible Commentary .) 

d. Their causeless enmity. 

No work of His could they con- 
demn, only His claim to be what the 
works attested. 

(2) He makes a last appeal, vs. 34-38. 

a. Defends His statement by appeal to 
the Scriptures they reverenced. 

If judges (study Psalm 82) were 
given a title to remind them that they 
acted for God, shall God’s sole conse- 
crated representative be condemned 
for announcing His true relation to 
the Father?’ 

b. Points again and finally to His con- 
vincing credentials. Know and under- 
stand His divinity by believing His works. 
“ Believe me for the very works’ sake.” 
John 14 : 11. 

3. Murderers in heart, vs. 31, 39. 

The logical outcome of unbelief. 

Leads to one more evidence of His super- 
human power, and illustrates the truth of vs. 
28, 29. Psa. 76 : 10 a. 

4. The reasonable and believing, vs. 40-42. 

Why was the atmosphere of Bethany beyond 
Jordan more favorable to faith than that of 
Jerusalem ? 

What made them believe on Him when the 
Pharisees would not ? 


9 2 


What, as we study this lesson, seems to us 
the most important truth to be pressed home 
upon those who are unwilling to accept Christ? 

Study Hints: 

1. How long a time had elapsed since the 
fuller teaching about the Shepherd and the 
sheep, to which He doubtless alludes in vs. 26- 
28. 

2. What did the Pharisees, who heard Jesus’ 
words from His own lips, understand Him to 
claim for Himself ? 

3. Note well the intense emphasis which 
Jesus places on His works as evidence of His 
divinity. Men who now reject His divinity 
applaud many of His words, but disbelieve His 
miraculous works. 


93 


XXIV. With One Who has Wrong Ideas 
About the Kingdom of God. — At 

ANOTHER DINNER PARTY. 

Luke 14: 15-24. January, A. D. 30. 

1. The wrong ideas . 

(1) About blessedness. 

He located it in the future ; Christ be- 
gins it now. Matt. 5: 3-12; Luke 11: 
28. See also David’s view of it. Psa. 
32: 1, 2. 

(2) About those who are to enjoy it. 

He counted himself among <Ke privi- 
leged guests. See v. 12. 

Probably among those who are men- 
tioned in vs. 3 and 7. 

How did his idea of ‘the just” (v. 14) 
differ from Paul’s (Rom. 4 : 14-16) ? 

(3) What wrong ideas about the Kingdom 
and claims for admission thereto delude 
men now? 

2. The true picture. 

(1) The feast. 

The Gospel bids to a feast, long ago 
announced, (Isa. 25 : 6 ) ; now ready (2 Cor. 
6:2); generous (v. 16), and ample (v. 22). 

(2) The men who stay away. 

Alike in what? 

What underlies all the “regrets ” ? 

What attitude toward the master of the 
house do they show ? 

Who get the first invitation now-. 


94 


(3) The men who come in. 

Who are represented by the two classes? 
See Trench. 

What makes them acceptable guests? 
Compare vs. 13, 14. 

Why do they need greater urgency of 
invitation ? 

(4) The penalty of an unaccepted invita- 
tion. v. 24. 

Who in the parable is a true personal 
worker, and what lessons may we learn 
from him ? 


95 


XXV. With Selfish Scoffers. — Following 

UP UNWELCOME TEACHING. 

Luke 16: 14-31. January, A. D. 30. 

1 . The scoffers. 

Why had “ all these things ” aroused them ? 

What was their idea of getting the best out 
of both worlds ? 

Why were the parables of Luke 1 5 specially 
distasteful to them ? 

What absorbed their thoughts? v. 15. 

Their attitude. Literally “turned up their 
noses at Him.” 

The kind of courtesy which those who pride 
themselves on their culture and position often 
show toward Christ. 

2. The Lord of earth and heaven. 

(1) As unaffected by their insolence now as 
by Nicodemus’ approval at the beginning of 
His work. 

(2) Endeavors to awaken consciousness of 
sin. 

Shows them they are dealing with One 
who “ seeth not as man seeth.” 1 Sam. 
16 : 7. 

They are living under the dispensation 
of the Gospel, which proclaims a Kingdom 
with no place in it for scoffers, but only 
for earnest seekers after God. 

Allusion to John may remind them of 
their treatment of his preaching. Luke 
7 : 30 - 










9 6 


Violation of the eternal law of God, 
which is more fundamental and more 
searching than Moses’ enactments, will 
convict them. v. 18. Compare Matt. 5: 
27—32, where He expounded the principle 
underlying the seventh commandment, 
and Matt. 19: 3-9, where, shortly after 
this, the Pharisees again introduce the 
same subject to “try” Him. 

(3) Shows them the future toward which 
they are tending. 

a . The selfish man’s present. 

What sort of a life did he live? 
(v. 19, R. V. margin). “ A hale fellow 
well met,” whose aim in life was to 
“ have a good time.” 

Did he break any laws? 

Did he ever look at Lazarus ? 

What was probably his opinion 
of him? 

What dumb pleas were insufficient 
to touch his heart ? 

Why did he neglect him? Com- 
pare Rom. 14 : 17. 

How does the picture apply to men 
who make selfish use of knowledge r 
Of social position ? Even of religious 
privileges ? 

b. The selfish man’s future. 

What takes the place of this man’s 
revelry? Of the Pharisees’ sneers? 

What certainties do we gather from 
this glimpse of existence beyond the 
grave ? 


97 


Why must we believe the picture 
authoritative ? 

What rich man does for Lazarus 
after death what Dives would not do 
on earth ? 

How did he enter the Kingdom of 
God ? Rom. 4 : 3, 23-25. 

(4) The way of escape. 

The testimony of Mdses and the 
prophets sufficient. John 5 : 39. 

To it we now have added that of 
Christ and the apostles, the message 
of “one risen from the dead.” Heb. 
2: 1-4. 

What convictions about the future 
impressed by this scene should affect 
all our intercourse with those who are 
living for this world only ? 


9 8 


XXVI. With Dearest Friends Under the 
Shadow of Mysterious Affliction. — 

In the home He loved best 
on earth. 

John ii : 1-46. Jan.-Feb., A. D. 30. 

1. The story of a sympathetic eye-witness. 

Indications of this ? 

What identified the village? What identi- 
fied Mary? See Mark 14: 9. 

2. The frowning providence. 

(1) The message. 

How does it indicate (a) their intimacy 
with Him? (b) their confidence in Him? 

(2) The delay. 

How does Jesus show that He knows 
the end from the beginning? See Roth- 
erham, “this sickness.” 

Why does John insert the statement in 

v - 5 ? 

What alone made the delay bearable by 
Jesus? 

(3) The death. 

Did Jesus ever stand by a dying bed? 

Why wait longer when Lazarus was 
already dead ? 

3. The Glory of God shining through the cloud. 

(1) Upon the disciples. 

Devotion rewarded by increase of faith. 

Following the light insures security from 
stumbling, vs. 9, 10. Compare 9: 4, 5. 


99 


The comforting term for death, v. n. 

What does it imply ? 

(2) Upon the sisters. 

a. Martha. Why first? 

A private and sympathetic inter- 
view. 

What had helped in preparing her 
to meet this trouble ? Luke 10 : 38- 
42. 

How had her faith been tried ? vs. 
4 > 17 - 

How had it stood the test ? vs. 21, 
22. Compare 1 Peter 1 : 6-9. 

The fuller truth now revealed, vs. 
25, 26. The answer to Job 14: 14. 

“The resurrection,” because “the 
life,” — already possessed, not to be 
asked of God, — “am,” not shall be, 
— for all believers life continuous and 
unending. See Rotherham and West- 
cott on v. 26. 

The response, v. 27. How much 
of the new truth had she appropri- 
ated? What does her remonstrance 
in v. 39 reveal? Afraid of seeing 
corruption where glory was promised. 
What only was necessary in order to 
see “ the glory of God ” ? 

b. Mary. 

Love winged her feet in response 
to the news. 

What do her words of greeting in- 
dicate ? 


Why may Jesus not have repeated 
to her the truth He had taught Mar- 
tha ? 

Compare Jesus as a comforter with 
their Jerusalem friends. 

(3) Upon Lazarus. 

Inward indignation at the “last enemy” 
(1 Cor. 15: 25, 26), but flowing tears of 
sympathy with human grief. 

The purpose of the prayer ; of the loud 
summons; of the miracle itself. 

The lesson from the use of human 
agents, vs. 34, 39, 44. 

The central figure. Many can wail, 
some can help, only One can summon. 

The effect of the “sign.” 

Already impressed by former miracle (v. 37), 
and now convinced by this greater one, many 
believe (v. 45). 

The chief priests — Sadducees, — hence- 
forth leaders in the conspiracy to put Him to 
death, v. 47. Why ? They attest the truth 
of Luke 16: 31. 

The miracle an evidence to attest the great 
message of hope and comfort in vs. 25, 26. 

What do we learn here as to (1) the spirit 
we are to show, and (2) the truth we are to 
bring to those who are in gloom or bitterness 
of spirit because of trouble ? 


IOI 


XXVII. With a Young Man of Narrow and 
Selfish Views. — On the highway. 

Mark io: 17-31. March, A. D. 30. 

1. The meeting. 

The place. The time. The surroundings. 

How is the interview emphasized by the 
point of time at which it occurs in Christ’s 
career ? In the ruler’s ? 

2. The eager inquirer. 

(1) His character. 

Combine the three sketches to get a full 
view of him. 

What is the one feature which all see 
and state ? 

What attractive qualities are apparent in 
him as he approaches the Good Teacher? 

What did he possess which many young 
men earnestly seek after? 

Why did they fail to satisfy him ? 

(2) His right course. 

How much of moral earnestness did it 
evidence ? 

How does he compare with the lawyer 
who had asked the same question ? See 
Luke 10 : 25. 

(3) His imperfect views — 

a. Of Christ. 

b. Of himself. Was his claim sincere ? 
How did he soon prove it was not true ? 

c. Of the way to life. 


102 


3. The test of discipleship. 

(1) A question, v. 18. Its object. Why 
introduce this first ? 

(2) An examination, v. 19. Its purpose. 
Why better than contradiction ? 

Can you see any intention in the selec- 
tion of the Commandments and in the 
order in which they are named ? 

(3) A specific direction, v. 21b. 

How do the circumstances explain it ? 

How was it contrary to the ruler’s train- 
ing? 

What new conception of Christ and of 
one’s possessions would obedience to it 
involve ? 

Was it too high a price for what he 
sought? Was it asked as a price? 

(4) A universal command, v.. 21c. 

How was this fundamental to the other? 

What really was the “one thing lack- 
ing”? 

Where would obedience to this call have 
taken him ? 

In what spirit and by what methods are such 
men to be brought face to face with Christ and 
His claims ? 

4. The sad separation . 

(1) Withdrawing, but not to obey. v. 22. 

Contrast with his eager approach. 

Dante describes him in the line, “The 
shade of him who made through cow- 
ardice the great refusal.” 


io 3 


Was it “cowardice” that held him fast 
even against the love and authority of 
Christ ? 

What emotion is fitly connected with 
the rejection of Christ? See Matt. 16:3, 
“lowring,” the only other use in the New 
Testament of the Greek word here trans- 
lated “ sad.” 

(2) The application to all. vs. 23-27. 

The danger of the servant becoming the 
master, the trust being trusted in. 

An illustration of Isaiah 55 : 8, 9. 

(3) The riches Christ bestows, vs. 28-31. 

What clause in v. 30 states what may 

have influenced the young ruler, certainly 
makes cowards of many now? 

How was the promise of vs. 29, 30 ful- 
filled to those to whom it was first made? 

What must be the Christian’s spirit in 
order to realize its fulfillment now? Com- 
pare r Cor. 3 : 21-23. 


Study Hints: 

1. IIow do the very omissions in the three 
accounts (Matt. 19: 20; Mark 10: 21; Luke 
18: 22) witness to their agreement. 

2. What do you think Jesus’ look conveyed 
in v. 21 ? in v. 23 ? in v. 27 ? 

3. Notice, in Rotherham’s version, how 
Mark emphasizes the contrasts between Christ 
and the ruler and Christ and the disciples. 


104 


XXVIII. With an Older Man Made Rich 
by Unrighteous Methods. — In a 

CROWD OF TRAVELLERS. 

Luke 19: 1-10. March, A. D. 30. 

The key-text, v. 10, and its illustration, vs. 1-9. 

1. The lost man. 

(1) His position. 

a. In the world’s eyes. Would many 
have been glad to fill it ? 

b. In Christ’s. Same Greek word trans- 
lated “lost” in v. 10 is rendered by “de- 
stroy” in v. 47 and in 20: 16, and by 
“perish” in 13: 3, 5, and J0I11V3: 15, 16. 

(2) Where lost ? 

In a luxurious city. Josephus called it 
“ a little Paradise.” 

See article on “Jericho,” in Smith’s (or 
other) Bible Dictionary. 

In a religious community. A favorite 
home of priests. 

What would such priests as the one de- 
scribed in Luke 10: 31 think of him ? 

(3) How lost? Compare 2 Cor. 4: 3, 4. 

What one thing had he in common with 

the young ruler ? 

What had he sacrificed for it ? 

What, apparently, had his longer experi- 
ence taught him concerning it, — a lesson 
the ruler had yet to learn ? 

How was his very name probably a sar- 
casm as applied to his character ? 


(4) His awakening interest. 

What aroused it ? What may he have 
heard ? Luke 15 : 1. 

What traits that may have contributed 
to his riches are shown in vs. 3, 4 ? 

How did those surrounding Christ hin- 
der instead of help his approach ? 

How and why do many of His follow- 
ers still do the same ? 

How does his manner of approach differ 
from the young ruler’s, and why ? 

What one thing, which Zacchaeus real- 
ized and the ruler did not, helps to explain 
the different outcome ? 

The seeking Saviour. 

(1) His situation. 

What thoughts absorbed the minds of 
the people? v. 11. Compare John 11: 
55-57, and see Stalker’s Life of Christ , 
§ 144 - 

For what one man in all the crowd did 
Jesus have thought? 

Why might it seem an inopportune time 
and place for such an interview ? 

Why was it both the time and the place? 

(2) His introduction. 

“ Came to the place.” Singled him out. 
Looked him in the eye. Called him by 
name. 

(3) His claims. 

“Make haste,” — a word for those who 
are always “ thinking about it,” but never 
obeying. 


io6 


“ Come down ” — from the place of spec- 
tator to that of disciple. 

What was involved in admittance to 
Zacchaeus’ home? 

What was gained by this public com- 
mittal ? 

To what was the Son of Man here, as 
ever, indifferent? 

Of what does He say nothing ? Why? 

3. A follower found. 

(1) His joyful welcome. 

How may we account for this prompt 
and glad obedience ? 

(2) His immediate salvation. 

a. The ground on which it had been 
bestowed, v. 9. 

His term for Christ, v. 8. What 
relationship did it involve ? 

How was he a true son of Abra- 
ham ? Compare Rom. 4:16. 

b. Its evidences. 

Voluntarily offering what the ruler 
refused to yield. 

Righting wrongs. The Bible ratio. 
See Ex. 22 : 1 ; 2 Sam. 12:6. 

One case in which the object of Christ’s 
“coming” was attained. How may it be 
manifolded ? 

Study Hints: 

1. How does this scene aid in interpreting 
Luke 18 : 24-27 ? 


io7 


2. What Old Testament events, occurring 
at Jericho, illustrate the same principles as 
those that underlie this interview? 


REVIEW 4. — SECTION D. 

Follow the same method as that suggested for 
Review 3 ; but draw out the facts by columns in- 
stead of by interviews, beginning with the column 
of “ Persons,” by which the interviews may be most 
easily identified. If too severe a test of memory, 
let the class answer from charts of their own prep- 
aration. Draw out several statements rapidly ; se- 
lect and write down the best. When the chart is 
before the eye, call attention to — 

1. The new field. Unevangelized until now. 
Proclamation in it of truths already taught in 
Galilee. 

2. The goal steadily kept in view. Its influence 
upon the tone of the teaching. 

3. The one brief visit to Jerusalem. To em- 
phasize the truth already taught there. 

4. One interview with friends, — drawn by their 
need. Two wdth opposers, — pressing home unwel- 
comed truth ; the rest with new and casual acquaint- 
ances, — proclaiming His Kingdom, and inviting 
them into it. 

5. The number of interviews on public paths of 
travel. Connected frequently with public teaching; 
often as a result of interruptions. 

6. The chief obstacles met. Selfish worldli- 
ness, especially the love of money. Self-will. 


7. The one outsider enlisted so far as recorded. 
The one many would have considered most un- 
promising. 

8. The great truths. Enter here and now upon 
the heavenly and spiritual life, by receiving Christ 
the crucified as Lord and Leader. 

Drill on the key-texts. Add another for the 
whole section, Matt. 20: 28. 


SECTION E. 


VI. THE PASSION WEEK. 

Seven days. From His triumphal entry to His 
' resurrection. 


XXIX. With Men Who Try to Entrap 

Him with Hard Questions. — On 

THE WITNESS-STAND. 

Luke 20 : 19, 20; Matt. 22 : 15-46. Tuesday, 
April 4, A. D. 30. 

I. The zvitness-stand. 

(1) Truth’s Witness voluntarily testifying. 
John 18 : 37. 

In the place of testimony. Mark 1 1 : 
27; Matt. 21: 23; Luke 20: 1. 

With full knowledge of the issue. Luke 

! 3 : 33 * 

(2) Meeting again the root question of His 
authority. Matt. 21 : 23. 

Shows that it is not with them a matter 
of evidence, but of stubborn impenitence. 
Matt. 21 : 24-27. 

They say, “We knozv not.” He says, 
“Neither tell I you”; yet shows them 
from their Scriptures (v. 42, “from the 
Lord”) how they might have learned if 
they would. 


no 


(3) See how His parables and their applica- 
tion, as fitted this last great day of public 
teaching, are marked by the utmost directness, 
plainness, and urgency. 

2. The cross-examiners. 

(1) The prosecutors, v. 15. 

Concerned not to know the truth, but 
to hold their positions (Matt. 21 : 25, 26), 
and to shut the mouth of the witness 
(Luke 20 : 20). 

Piously praying “ God forbid ” (Luke 
20: 16), and then immediately (Matt. 21 : 
46) setting about its accomplishment. 

Parables teaching the fate of neglecters 
and despisers only send them after allies 
in their murderous designs. 

How do men now, instead of heeding 
Christ’s gospel, attempt to discredit and 
silence it ? 

What is the real cause of all such op- 
position ? Acts 7 : 51. 

(2) The associate counsel. 

a. The politicians, vs. 16-22. 

Hypocrites. How did their lives 
agree with their pretended devotion 
to God and truth ? 

Flatterers. If they believed v. 16 
would there be need to ask the ques- 
tion in 21 : 23 ? 

Schemers. Endeavoring in vain to 
get some basis for the charge after- 
wards so falsely urged. Luke 23 : 
1, 2. 


Ill 


How did this coin and the tax it 
paid differ from Matt. 17 : 24-27 ? 

Whose face was stamped on it, and 
what inscription ? 

Wherein lay the supposed difficulty ? 

What sort of people are troubled 
by it now ? 

How did the principle Christ taught 
remove the difficulty and at the same 
time condemn them ? 

How did it correct their false view 
of the Messiah’s mission ? 

b. The free-thinkers, vs. 23-33. 

The animus of their question. 

The cause of their error. 

The truth that overthrows specula- 
tion. 

The convincing argument based on 
the character and revelation of God. 

The broad truth (Luke 20 : 38), 
which Paul practically applies (Rom. 
14: 7-12). (See Rotherham’s notes 
on Luke 20: 38 and Rom. 14: 9.) 

(3) The prosecuting attorney. Mark 12: 

28-34. 

His training. 

His line of approach. Test questions 
in social ethics and speculative philosophy 
having failed, he tries to lead Him into the 
field of theological debate. 

The answer. Show how it is direct, 
scriptural, comprehensive, searching. 

The lawyer’s frank response. 


I 12 


What did it indicate ? 

How does his spirit differ from that of 
the lawyer in interview xx ? 

How does Christ encourage him. The 
one note of tenderness in this scene of 
storm. 

3. Truth's Witness takes His true place as Exam- 
iner and Lord. 

(1) The universal test question, v. 42. 

“ Whose son ? ” (See Rotherham. )- 

What does their answer imply ? 

The argument from David’s inspired 
words. (See Rotherham’s note on v. 44.) 

The argument from the conduct of the 
Christ throughout this thrilling scene. 

The future of His enemies. 

(2) The effect. 

Upon the questioners, vs. 22, 46. 

Upon the people, v. 33; Mark 12: 37. 

Upon His enemies He pronounces the 
tremendous climax of “ woes ” in Matt. 23, 
ending in its notes of lamentation (vs. 37, 
38), and gleam of hope (v. 39). 

Study Hint: 

Review the whole scene to study throughout 
Christ’s method of presenting the truth to its 
blinded and hateful opponents. 


XXX. With Men on the Lookout for some 

New Sensation. — At a religious 

FESTIVAL. 

John 12 : 20-36. Tuesday, April 4, A. D* 30. 

1 . The application. 

An illustration of the despairing prophecy 
of the Pharisees (John 12 : 19), which they 
themselves fulfilled in their desperate attempt 
to prevent (v. 32). 

Probably just after the stormy scenes of the 
last Tuesday, and so at the end of His public 
ministry, v. 36. 

2. The applicants. 

Greeks from the West at the end, as Magi 
from the East at the beginning. 

What did their presence for worship indicate 
as to their relation to Judaism ? See 1 Kings 
8 : 41 - 43 - 

How does this request agree with their 
national character? Compare Acts 17: 21. 

How is the name they apply to Him appro- 
priate ? 

Of whom may they be considered as fore- 
runners? See Acts 8 : 27 ; 10: 1, 2; 17: 4; 
Rom. 1 : 16; 1 Cor. 1 : 23, 24. 

How do men now show this Greek trait of 
character? 

3. The messengers. 

Why may they have singled out Philip ? 


H4 

Why may he have sought help in dealing 
with this unusual request ? Compare Mark 7 : 

24-3°- 

Why did he naturally turn to Andrew ? See 
John 1 : 44; 6: 5-9; Mark 3: 18. 

Which becomes the leader of the pair ? 
What made Philip hesitate ? Why and how 
do we imitate him ? 


4. The answer. 

(1) To whom addressed? 

Did He receive the Greeks ? 

What might their request have sug- 
gested to one who knew less than Jesus? 
What did it suggest to Him ? 

What was necessary before the world 
could “ see Jesus ” ? 

(2) The principle. 

Fruitfulness, life eternal, glorification, — 
all attained only by the death of self. 

When and how had He taught it be- 
fore? See Mark 8: 35; Luke 17 : 33. 

“ So it must be ever. Day out of 
night; spring out of winter; flowers out 
of frost; joy out of sorrow; fruitfulness 
out of pruning; Olivet out of Gethsemane; 
the Ascension out of Calvary; life out of 
death ; and the Christ that is to be out 
of the pangs of a travailing creation.” — 
Meyer’s The Life and Light of Men. 
p. 232. 


(3) Three illustrations of it. 

a. The analogy of nature, v. 24. 

b . The practice of true disciples, vs. 

25, 26. (See Rotherham’s notes on v. 25.) 

c. The Son of Man’s own soul-struggle. 

(a) Not shrinking from death, but 
facing the Cross with all it involved, 
and realizing the tremendous strain 
that is coming upon His human na- 
ture. 

(b) The one relationship that holds 
in such an hour. So in Gethsemane. 
Matt. 26: 39, 42; Mark 14: 36. 

(c) The prayer for victory, — “ out 
of” rather than “from this hour.” 
(See Westcott on v. 27.) 

((/) The prayer for the Father’s 
glory. Compare John 17 : 1-4. 

(e) The heavenly witness. The 
Father’s name glorified already in 
the Son’s life (see especially Matt. 
3 : 17 and 17 : 5), and to be glorified 
still more in His death. How? 

(4) The principle applied. 

The voice one more evidence for faith- 
strengthening. Compare John 11 : 42. 

The treatment of the Word from heaven 
the test of each man’s God-wardness. 

Uplifting, both on the Cross and out of 
the tomb. The Christ’s power of attrac- 
tion over men and of victory over Satan. 

Misapplied Scripture only veils the eyes, 
v. 34 - 


1 16 

The Light is yet here. Walk after Him, 
put faith in Him, that you may be trans- 
formed into a son of light. 

The effect . 

(1) Upon the Greeks. 

We are not told. 

(2) Upon the people generally, vs. 37-41. 
Blinded and hardened. 

(3) Upon many of the rulers, vs. 42, 43. 
Afraid to follow their convictions. 


XXXI. With Followers of Christ Who 
Show a False Spirit. — In the 
upper ROOM. 

Luke 22: 24-30; John 13: 1-20. Thursday night, 
April 6, A. D. 30. 

1 . The saddest of nights. 

(1) The night “before the feast of the Pass- 
over.” 

“During supper,” — the Paschal meal, 
the symbol of bitterness followed by joy. 

In the guest chamber divinely provided. 
Luke 22 : 7-13. 

(2) John’s interpretation of Jesus’ motives. 
What knowledge on His part led to the 

supreme evidence of love ? v. 1 ; R. V. 
margin, “ to fhe utttermost.” 

What to the lowliest service? v. 3. 
Why appropriately “the Father” in v. 
1, “ God ” in v. 3 ? 

Even in the hour when Satan is doing 
his worst (v. 2) how are His thoughts ab- 
sorbed ? 

2. The selfish rivalry. 

How do Luke and John supplement and 
confirm one another? Compare especially 
Luke 22: 27 and John 13: 5. 

Who had just before shown the same spirit 
of selfish ambition ? See IV^att. 20 : 20-24. 

What earlier lesson had Jesus taught on the 
same theme ? See interview xv. 


1 18 

Perhaps brought to the surface now in tak- 
ing their seats at table. 

What false ideas of Jesus’ mission probably 
contributed to it ? 

Why must it have been peculiarly distressing 
to Jesus at this time? 

How does it often now appear in Christian 
work ? 

3. The rebuke and promise. 

Note its peculiarly gentle and tender spirit. 

A repetition of former teaching that had 
been ineffectual. Matt. 20: 25-28. 

Christ’s kingdom “not of this world,” hence 
not ruled by this world’s precepts and exam- 
ples. 

Following the true Benefactor now will lead 
to seats at His table and to thrones hereafter. 

When before had they received the same 
promise ? 

4. The object lesson. 

Resorted to when oral teaching had proved 
ineffectual. 

Thorough in every detail. Explain the cus- 
toms of the time. 

Included even Judas. See vs. 12, 30. 

5. The application. 

(1) To Simon Peter. Probably began with 
him. 

For emphatic use of pronouns in v. 6, 
see Rotherham’s Translation. 

“ Hereafter,” in the light of the Passion 
and the Resurrection, Peter shall come 


to understand just how much this act of 
humble service means, v. 7. 

Self-surrender the first condition of dis- 
cipleship. v. 8. 

Once cleansed by Jesus, the work of 
one disciple for another is to refresh by 
removing the stains of earth, v. 10. 

(2) To all. 

Do not misunderstand our true relation, 
v. 13. But let it add to the impressiveness 
of My example, vs. 14, 15. 

Remember what I taught you when I 
first sent you out. See Matt. 10 : 24. 
Another reminder later the same even- 
ing. John 15: 20. 

A new beatitude (v. 17), a new term of 
endearment (v. 33), and a new command- 
ment (vs. 34, 35). See how these are 
woven by John into the very fibre of his 
Epistles. 

Am I representing my Saviour and my 
Father (v. 20) by following the example 
of Jesus in this scene ? 

Study Hint: 

For John’s use of the term “passover,” re- 
moving the difficulty in reconciling his state- 
ments about this meal with those of the other 
Evangelists, see Broadus’ Harmony of the Gos- 
pels, pp. 253-257, or Andrews’ Life of Our 
Lord, pp. 465+. 


120 


XXXII. With the Self-confident Chris- 
tian Worker. — In the Master’s 

OWN DARKEST HOURS. 

John 13: 36-38; Luke 22: 31-38; Matt. 26: 30-41 ; 
John 18: 10, 11; Luke 22: 54-62. Thurs- 
day night, April 6, A. D. 30. 


1. The disciple in danger. 

(1) Loving and loyal, but impetuous and 
self-willed. 

Recall the supper scene in the last in- 
terview. 

(2) Self-confident. 

a. In spite of former failures. 

Recall interviews xii and xiv. 

b. And in face of present warnings. 

Sure he could follow to prison and 
to death. John 13: 37; Luke 22: 33; 
Matt. 26: 35; though alone, Mark 14: 
29. 

Believing his words sincere, how 
can we explain his mistaken estimate 
of himself, and his deafness to the 
Master’s warnings? 

(3) The great protester. See especially 
Matt. 14: 31. 

What proved harder to bear than the 
imprisonment and death he spoke about 
so freely ? 


I 2 I 


2. The Friend in need. 

(1) His thoughtfulness. 

In spite of His own troubled spirit. 
John 13 : 21. 

During His hour of bitterest agony. 
Matt. 26 : 37, 38. (See Rotherham’s 
note.) 

And on trial before His enemies. Luke 
22: 54, 61. 

(2) The triple warning. 

a. At the supper table. John 13: 36- 
38; Luke 22: 31-38. 

Separation from Him the test to 
be feared. John 13: 36. - 

Prophecy of v. 36 repeated more cir- 
cumstantially. John 21 : 18, 19. 

Know (a) the danger (Luke 22* 31), 
(b) the encouragement (v. 32a), (c) the 
object (v. 32b). 

Realize the weak point at whicn 
Satan will assault. John 13: 38; 
Luke 22 : 34. 

Why does He call him Simon in 
v. 3 1 ? Peter in v. 34 ? 

b. On the way to the garden. Matt. 
26 : 31-35. (For the harmony see An- 
drews, pp. 494-497.) 

A warning to all, with explanation 
of the approaching scene, and appoint- 
ment for reunion. How much of it 
does Peter hear and heed ? 

What effect does the repeated and 


122 


emphatic announcement of v. 34 have 
upon him ? 

c. In the garden. Matt. 26: 36-41. 

The loving yet searching rebuke, 
v. 40. 

The exhortation, v. 41. Weak- 
ness of the flesh not an excuse for, 
but an incentive to, watchfulness. 

(3) Patience with the wayward. 

a. At the arrest. 

Fleshly energy with a worldly 
weapon rebuked. John 18: 10, 11. 

Mistaken views of the kingdom 
led to misinterpretation of Jesus* 
words in Luke 22 : 35-38. How 
did this weaken him later ? See 
John 18 : 26. 

Failure to learn the lesson of Matt. 
16: 24, 25 leads to flight (Mark 14: 
50) with the rest. 

What was lacking here to make 
him “Peter” indeed? See Isa. 26: 
3 , 4 , R. V. 

What made him follow, though 
afar off ? 

b. In the palace court. Luke 22 : 55- 
62. 

In the wrong company at such a 
time. As an old Scotch minister 
said, Peter had “ nae business among 
the flunkeys.” 

The threefold denial. Accompan- 


123 


ied by swearing. Perhaps the revival 
in this evil hour of an old evil habit. 

The look that pierced his heart. 
Luke 22 : 61. 

The, tears of true penitence. Luke 
22 : 62. “ The erring disciple was 

much more singular in his repent- 
ance than in his sin.” — Bruce. 

For the sequel, restoring him to 
usefulness, see interview xxxvii. 


Study Hints: 

1. Review these scenes, and gather the prin- 
ciples that should guide us in dealing with the 
self-confident and wayward. 

2. Make personal application, especially of 
the warning and encouragement of Luke 22 : 
3L 3 2 - 


124 


XXXIII. With a Public Man Who would 
D o Right if it Did Not Cost so Much. 

— In the court room and before 

THE MOB. 

John 18 : 28-38; Mark 15: 3-5; Luke 23: 4-19; 
Matt. 27: 19-23; John 19: 4-12; Matt. 27: 

24-26; John 19: 13-16. Friday morn- 
ing, April 7, A. D. 30. 

I. His hour of testiitg. 

Sudden and severe. One morning made 
him forever infamous. “ Suffered under Pon- 
tius Pilate.” 

His political position and responsibility and 
his relations to the Jews. (See article on 
“Pilate” in Smith’s Bible Dictionary.) 

Where was he at this time, and for what 
purpose ? 

For the harmony of the four accounts, and 
the order of the events, see Andrews, pp. 530- 
544 ; especially summary on p. 544. 

What is the crucial test in every man’s life, 
as in Pilate’s ? See Matt. 27 : 22. 


2. His investigations. 

(1) Of the charges of enemies. John 18: 
29-32. 

Indifferent in spirit, but disposed to do 
j ustice. 

Reading their motives. Mark 15: 10. 


I2 5 

(2) Of Jesus Himself. 

a. As to His character and position. 
John 18 : 33-38. 

Inquiry of v. 33 based on the 
charge of sedition. Luke 23 : 2. 
Perhaps, also, on knowledge of His 
triumphal entry on the previous Sun- 
day. 

Scorns His race, but puzzled by the 
unusual course of its leaders (v. 35) 
and by His own worldly ideas of king- 
ship (v. 37). “ Thou a king ?” 

b. As to His self-control under calumny. 

Marvels greatly at His silence in 
self-defense. Mark 15: 3-5. 

c. As to His origin. 

Trembles before His claim to divin- 
ity. John 19 : 7-9. 

Yet threatens Him with his “little 
brief authority.” v. 10. 

3. His light. 

(1) As to his own responsibility. John 
18 : 34. 

An appeal to awaken the conscience. 

(2) As to the true nature of Jesus’ kingdom 
(v. 36), and the mission which caused His in- 
carnation (v. 37). 

A test of Pilate’s relation to “the 
truth,” which brings out only the cynical 
question of v. 38. 


126 


(3) As to Jesus opinion of him. John 19: 9. 

Silence, to the time-server who will not 

follow his convictions, more searching than 
words. 

(4) As to the source of his power and his 
consequent responsibility to God, not men. 
John 19 : 11. 

How was this light, which Jesus shed 
upon his path, adapted to such a man as 
he was ? 

4. His convictions. 

How often and how strongly does he pub- 
licly declare Jesus’ innocence? 

Who join him in the testimony? 

How does he show the growing impression 
made upon him by Jesus’ character and con- 
duct ? 

Did he believe Him more than human ? 

How does his conduct concerning the in- 
scription, the burial, and the guard, show the 
strength of the convictions to which he was 
false. 

5. His attempts to evade the issue. 

In spite of his own statement in John 19: 
10, upon whom, in turn, does he endeavor to 
shift the responsibility of deciding the case ? 

How does he endeavor to substitute policy 
for justice, and with what success? 

How does he attempt to use his own cruel 
injustice to move the sympathies of the crowd? 


127 


\ 

Baffled and defeated for lack of courage and 
truth, how does he vainly attempt to clear him- 
self, and then substitute taunts for righteous- 
ness ? 

How do his modern imitators attempt the 
same impossible course ? 


6. His weakness and failure. 

(1) The cause. Selfish fear of personal 
harm — 

a. From charges he dared not face. 
John 19: 12. His past record would 
not bear investigation. 

b. From popular tumult difficult to 
quell. Matt. 27 : 24. He had already- 
had one experience of it at least. Luke 
13: 1. 

What causes nowadays hinder loyalty 
to Christ and honest convictions ? 

(2) The issue. Gives over the Son of Man 
and Son of God to scourging, mockery, and a 
shameful death. 

How does the rejection or neglect of 
Christ’s claims to-day resemble Pilate’s 
course ? 

(3) The end. Stripped of his office on 
charges just such as he attempted to avoid, 
he is said to have died in banishment. Amid 
many traditions (like that of Mount Pilatus), 
we know only what Christ said in applying the 
lesson of one of his acts. Luke 13: 3. 


Study Hint: 


For the hour of the trial, as stated in John 
19: 14, see Broadus’ Harmony , p. 258, or An- 
drews, p. 547. 


129 


XXXIV. With One who Sincerely Re- 
pents, Though at the Eleventh 
Hour. — On the Cross. 

Luke 23 : 32-43. Friday, April 7, A. D. 30. 

1 . His past. 

A robber. Perhaps one of Barabbas’ band. 
Justly condemned to the most shameful death, 
v. 41. 

No record too black for Jesus to forgive; 
no stains too deep for him to cleanse. 1 John 
1 : 9. 

2. His present. 

(1) Hindrances. 

Railing populace, mocking rulers, taunt- 
ing soldiers, even his robber comrade, all 
join in deriding the Saviour who hangs on 
the middle cross. 

Except for Luke’s investigation and 
record, we would hear no voice raised in 
Jesus’ favor. (For explanation of Matt. 
27: 44 and Mark 15: 32 see Andrews, 
P- 55 6 *) 

Beside these surroundings, how would 
his own situation naturally affect his mind? 

Under such circumstances, how does his 
testimony compare with the blind man’s 
in interview xviii? 

(2) Helps. 

How was he affected by the presence 
of Jesus and by His words of unselfish 
prayer and tender thoughtfulness? 


130 


(3) His public confession — 

a. Of his own sin. v. 41. 

What did he recognize that most 
men deny or ignore ? 

b. Of his faith in Jesus. 

(a) As an innocent sufferer. 

( b ) As a king who will return in 
power. 

How is this faith remarkable in such 
a man at such an hour ? 

On what knowledge of Jesus’ teach- 
ing was it based ? 

Was this his first and only inter- 
view with Jesus? 

What further evidence, for which 
he did not wait, did his few remain- 
ing hours on earth afford him ? 

c. As One who answers prayer. 

All others said, “ Save thyself,” in 
mockery ; he, “ Remember me,” in 
penitence and faith. 

On what did his plea rest ? 


3. His future. 

What sort of response did he receive ? 

Was his prayer more than answered? 

How is the term which Christ used appro- 
priate to this man of the people ? (See article 
on “ Paradise,” in Smith’s Bible Dictionary .) 

The first of a glorious company. See John 
12: 32. 

Christ divides the world as He did the 
thieves, and unites this world with the next. 


r 3* 

Those who join Him here at the Cross go with 
Him into the glory. Phil. 3 : 10, 11. 

What is ever the message of the dying thief 
to a sinning world ? 


132 


VII. — FROM THE TOMB TO THE THRONE. 

Forty days. From His resurrection to His as 
cension. 


XXXV. With Disheartened and Perplexed 

Followers. — Along a footpath. 

Luke 24 : 13-35. Sunday, April 9, A. D. 30. 

1 . The walkers. 

(1) Who? 

“Two of them ”■ — of whom? Compare 
v. 22. 

Was either an apostle ? See v. 33. Was 
the unnamed one Cleopas’ wife ? See v. 
25. Was he Luke? 

(2) When? 

“That very day.” Whose day, and 
why ? 

(3) Whither? 

To Emmaus, — a disputed site. (See 
Andrews, pp. 614-618.) In any case, a 
hilly foot-journey of about eight miles. 

Why leave Jerusalem on that day of 
all days ? 

(4) Their state of mind and heart. vs. 

15 - 17 - 

a. Their conception — 

(a) Of Jesus and His mission, vs. 
19-21. 

(h) Of the earlier events of the 
same day. vs. 22-24. (For a con- 


J 33 


nected narrative of these consult An- 
drews, pp. 610-613.) 

Hints of hopes too faint to 
state, vs. 21b, 24b. 

Apparently without knowledge of His 
appearances to Mary and the other women. 

b. The causes of gloom and perplexity. 

(a) Misconception, v. 21. 

(b) Heedlessness. Matt. 16: 21, 
and later. 

(c) U nbelief. Luke 24 : 1 1 . 

(d) No evidence of prayerfulness, 
in spite of promise of John 14: 13, 
14. 

Jesus sums it up. v. 25. (a) Foolish, — 
thoughtless ; not applying their minds to 
His teachings, (b) Slow of heart to rest 
faith on the voices of the Scriptures. 

c. The anchor that held in the storm. 

What did the theme of their con- 
versation prove ? 

How real and personal a loss was 
Jesus’ death to them ? 

What evidence would our ordinary 
conversation afford of our regard for 
Jesus? 

How much greater evidence of 
Jesus’ resurrection have we than 
they had ? 

2. The Companion. 

(1) His approach. 

When does He join His followers? 


134 


Compare Mai. 3: 16; 4:2; Matt. 18: 
20 (see Rotherham’s note) ; Mark 6 : 48 
(see interview xii). 

Why unrecognized? Luke 24: 16; 
Mark 16: 12. Nothing awe-inspiring in 
His appearance. Simply a friendly fel- 
low-traveller. 

On what did recognition of Jesus de- 
pend in all His appearances during the 
forty days ? 

How does unbelief now, as then, 
dull the vision ? 

(2) His share in the conversation. 

He guides it. 

Brings to light the cause of their trouble. 

Affectionately chides them for it. 

Shows the necessity and purpose of the 
“ very things ” (see Rotherham) that had 
saddened them. 

Enlightens ignorance by thorough inter' 
pretation of Scripture. 

Abides with those whose loving wishes 
constrain Him. 

Becomes the Master of the feast. Rev. 
3 : 20. 

Reveals Himself in the familiar atti- 
tudes of blessing and serving. 

Reminding them probably of what former 
scenes ? 

Illustrates His answer to Judas’ queS' 
tion. John 14: 22-27. 

Why suddenly vanish ? 

Who is to assist His followers in doing 
work like this? John 14: 26; 15: 26, 27 


1 35 


The return. 

Warm hearts (v. 32) make quick feet, prompt 
and joyous testimony (v. 36). 

Vying with one another in sharing such 
glad news. vs. 35, 36. 

The steps in this upward path : 

Talking of 
Learning about 
Communing with 
Witnessing for 


' JESUS. 


i 3 6 


XXXVI. With One who Requires Convin- 
cing Evidence. — In a private room. 

John 20 : 24-29. Sunday, April 16, A. D. 30. 

1 . The loyal though gloomy doubter. 

Study the three passages in which John men- 
tions Thomas (11: 16; 14: 5 and this inter- 
view), to form an impression of his character. 
(Westcott’s notes on these passages in The 
Bible Commentary may help.) 

How did he prove his love and loyalty? 

How show his blunt sincerity ? His determi- 
nation to know rather than willingness to be- 
lieve ? 

How did his faith compare with that of the 
other apostles ? Why were they all so slow to 
accept the testimony of others ? Mark 16 : 1 1; 
Luke 24: 11 ; Mark 16: 13, 14. 

Did Thomas ask for other evidence than 
they had had ? Luke 24 : 39, 40, 43. 

On what was he perhaps brooding alone 
when he missed the Lord’s appearance ? See 
v. 25. 

What was the special object of the appear- 
ances on the first Lord’s Day ? (See Andrews, 
p. 623.) 

What does his presence with them in v. 26 
indicate ? 

Why did they still tarry in Jerusalem after 
the directions of Matt. 28 : 7, 10? 

2. The convincing evidence. 

What lesson had he been taught already 


*37 


when he talked of dying with Jesus? See in- 
terview xxvi. 

What when he had professed ignorance of 
the meaning of Jesus’ announcement in John 
14: 2 ? 

How does Jesus in the scene before us illu- 
minate the teaching about Himself in John 14: 

6,7? 

What evidence does Jesus offer Thomas? 

What was more convincing to him even than 
what he had required? 

What evidence does Christ now offer to men 
like Thomas? What warning? v. 27b. (See 
Westcott.) 

In what spirit and by what methods are we 
to present it to them? 

3. The sublime confession. 

“ The loftiest view of the Lord given in the 
Gospels.’’ — Westcott. 

How did the desired evidence of identity 
instantly become proof of Lordship and 
Divinity ? 

How do all lower conceptions of Christ dis- 
honor Him ? 

4. The last and greatest beatitude, v. 29 b. 

The noble company of believers of testimony 
already begun outside of the apostolic group. 
Compare 1 Peter 1 : 8, 9. 

On what testimony may such faith and 
blessedness rest? vs. 30, 31. 


138 


XXXVII. With One who has been Worsted 
by Satan. — On the lake shore. 

John 21 : 1-19. April, A. D. 30. 

1 . The “ stone ” overthrown and made a rock of 
offence. 

The agents in the disaster. 

(1) Satan. Sought a high mark. 

How did he obtain his opportunity? 
Luke 22: 31. Not omnipotent. Permis- 
sion granted in view of the outcome, v. 
3 1 2 - 

(2) Peter. 

“Offended” in Jesus, in spite of warn- 
ings. Review the scenes of interview 
xxxii. 

Eager to investigate (John 20: 3), but 
heavy heart made feet slow (v. 4) and 
faith dull (vs. 8-10). 

Now out of place, — back at his old 
trade, — yet in disciples’ company, and 
where Jesus may be met. Matt. 28 : 10. 


2. The Master-workman fitting it into its place 
again. 

(1) Warning and intercession (Luke 22: 32), 
followed by special attention (Mark 16: 7; 
Luke 23 : 34). 

What serves to remove the “ offence of 
the Cross”? 


J 3 9 


(2) The personal interview. 

At the old place and work, reminding 
of former call. Luke 5:10. 

After night of fruitless toil (“ that night 
they took nothing”), — at the end of self. 

(3) The evidence offered. One of the 
“ many proofs ” of Acts 1 : 3. 

a. Of power. 

The full net. Reminding of what 
and promising what ? 

No word of objection here as in 
Luke 5 : 5. 

b. Of love. The hot breakfast. How 
much needed ? 

How are the hands that had been 
pierced here engaged ? 

(4) The thrice-repeated question. 

Tender but searching. Reminding him 

of his professions, warnings, and denials. 

Calls him, as heretofore, by his old 
name, — Simon, son of John. (R. V.) 

Simplifies the question ; at last using 
Peter’s own word for “love,” probing into 
the depths of his heart. (See Rotherham’s 
note on v. 17.) 

The “ stone ” on the foundation. 

(1) It stands the test. 

Duller eyes than John (v. 7), but still 
impetuous, reverent love. 

In Luke 5, “ depart; ” in Matt. 14, “bid 
me come; ” here plunges in unbidden. 

First to obey the Master’s word. v. n. 


140 


His answers show his new estimate of 
Jesus’ knowledge of himself. 

His third answer lays bare to the Lord 
his heart. 

(2) The commission. 

Formerly catch ; now feed lambs, tend 
sheep, feed sheep. 

Not seeking individuals only, but shep- 
herding a flock. 

(3) The prophecy and the command. 

The fuller statement of John 13: 36, 

37 - 

Borne on the cross when cross bearing 
ends. 2 Peter 1:14. 

Follow Me, even unto death. 

How does he show a flash of the old 
spirit in the question about John, his com- 
rade ? 

(4) The motive that must inspire all useful 
service. 

Not determination to succeed; not un- 
willingness to be behind others ; not desire 
for men’s approval, — but the constraining 
love of Christ. 2 Cor. 5: 14. 

How, in the light of this interview, can we 
best help those who have been active in Chris- 
tian service, but have fallen back ? 

“ We who so tenderly were sought, 

Shall we not joyful seekers be, 

And to Thy feet divinely brought, 

Help weaker souls, dear Lord, to Thee? 

“ Celestial Seeker, send us forth ! 

Almighty Lover, teach us love ! 

Then shall we yearn to help our earth 
As yearned the Holy One above ! ” 


Study Hints . 

i* How often before this scene had Peter 
seen the Risen Lord ? 

2. By what name is Simon uniformly called 
in the Acts, yet by Jesus in the Gospels only 
twice (and then for special reasons. See Matt. 
1 6 : 18; Luke 22 : 34)? Why? 

3. How was Jesus’ prophecy fulfilled ? 


142 


XXXVIII. With Followers who Need the 

Baptism ok the Holy Spirit. — At 
His parting interview. 

Luke 24: 49-53; Acts 1: 1-12. Thursday, May 
18, A. D. 30. 

This last study may well occupy a full hour in 

class. 

1. The place and the hour. 

On Olivet, “over against Bethany.” (R. V.) 
In a retired spot. What associations already 
made the mountain sacred? What is yet to 
occur there? Zech. 14: 4. 

What impression does the narrative in Luke 
2 4 : 35 — 53» ^ taken alone, make as to the time 
of its occurrences ? 

What fuller note of time does he give in 
Acts 1 : 1-3 ? 

For a summary of Jesus’ appearances during 
the “forty days,” see Andrews, pp. 637-639, or 
Kephart’s Outline, paragraphs 59-65. 

What considerations make His parting words 
most precious ? 

2. The heed. 

(1) The work to be done. 

a. Study the commissions given by the 
Risen Lord. 

(a) To the eleven and others with 
them on the Resurrection evening. 
John 20: 21-23; Luke 2 4= 33~3 6 » 
44-48. 


143 


( b ) To the eleven and other disci- 
ples, more than five hundred in all 
( i Cor. 15: 6), on “ the mountain ” in 
Galilee, — some familiar but retired 
spot where such a gathering would 
not be interfered with. Matt. 28: 
16-20; Mark 16: 15-18. 

(c) Perhaps also at other times and 
places, but on the same theme. Acts 
1 : 3 - 

b. Note what He taught them of its na- 
ture and extent. It was to be — 

(a) World- wide. How is this 
shown in Matthew, Mark, Luke, 
Acts? How had Jewish exclusive- 
ness been taught this lesson before 
John wrote? 

From an appointed centre. 
Luke 24 : 47. Why ? 

Following a systematic and 
thorough plan of campaign. 
Acts 1 : 8. 

(b) Comprehensive and spiritual. 
Including the supreme welfare of man 
and society (see Mark 16: 15, R. V.) 
for this, and the eternal, age. 

Preach. The gospel — Mark ; 
repentance and remission of sins 
— Luke; communicate forgiveness 
of sins — John. (See tenses in 
John 20: 23, Greek text or Roth- 
erham’s version.) “ The Com- 
mission of the Christian Society, 


144 


not of the Christian Ministry.” — 

Westcott. 

Witness. Luke. “ My wit 
nesses.” Acts i : 8, R. V. 
Disciple. . Matthew. 

Baptize. Matthew and Mark. 
“ Into the name ” (not names) of 
the Triune God. 

Teach. Matthew. Obedience 
to all My commands. 

Not only evangelize and tes- 
tify, but win, initiate, train. 
Realize the immensity of the task, — the 
individuality of the method. 

(2) The men to do it. 

a. Provincial in origin. What was 
their title even On the lips of the heav- 
enly messengers ? 

b. Narrow and material in conceptions. 

What misunderstanding still un- 
derlay their eager question in Acts 1 : 
6 ? On what point were their 
thoughts centered ? (See Rother- 
ham’s note and compare Luke 19; 
11.) 

c. Timid in spirit. John 20: 19. 

d. Slow to believe — 

(a) His teaching. John 6: 62; 20: 
I 7- 

(b) The Scriptures. Luke 24: 44, 
45- 

(c) The testimony of others. Mark 
16: 14. 


(d) Even their own experiences. 
Luke 24: 41; Matt. 28: 17. 

Yet they were Jesus’ friends (John 15: 
15), who loved Him (John 16: 27), wor- 
shipped Him as their God (Matt. 28 : 17), 
and recognized Him as their Lord (John 
20: 28; 21 : 15). To such, and to all like 
them, are given — 

The Leader's promises. 

(1) His own relation to them. 

a. They but continue the work the 
Father committed to Christ. John 20: 
21. 

b. Who now has all authority in heaven 
and (hence) on earth. Matt. 28 : 18. See 
also Mark 16: 19. What Satan deceit- 
fully offered had been won on the Cross. 

c. Will be with them throughout the 
whole campaign. Matt. 28 : 20, R. V. 
margin. 

Not as during His humiliation, 
which has ended. See Luke 24 : 44. 
“ Was with you.” 

But no less personally and really. 
See emphasis on pronouns in Matt. 
28 : 20, Rotherham’s version. 

For an illustration of how this can 
be, see Acts 7:55, 56, and trace His 
presence throughout the Acts. 1: 24; 
2 : 47 ; 3 : 26, etc. 

d. And will come again in like manner 
as they saw Him go. Acts 1 : 1 1. 


146 


“ Let all that look for hasten 
The coming joyful day.” 

[Acts 3 : 19-21. 

(2) The gift of power. 

How had this been foretold by David ? 
Psa. 68 : 18 ; Eph. 4:8. By John the 
Baptist ? 

Why is it pre-eminently “ the promise of 
the Father”? 

When had they heard it from Jesus ? 

What special pains does he take to 
keep it before their minds ? 

What earnest of the fuller outpouring 
had they already received from Him? 
John 20 : 22. 

What did His attitude in parting be- 
token ? 

What is the significance of the terms 
used in Luke 24 : 49 and Acts 1:5? 

What is far more important than know- 
ing “ times and seasons ” ? 

4. The way to obtain the gift. 

What had Jesus already taught as to who 
may have this gift, and how ? John 7 : 37-39. 

What does He now say of it ? John 20 : 22 ; 
Luke 24 : 49a. 

The apostles* special instructions. 

“Wait for (Rotherham, “Abide around”) 
the promise of the Father.” 

“Not many days,” in the city of your 
enemies, the place of My Cioss and empty 
tomb. 


147 


The apostles’ example of fellowship and 
prayerfulness. Acts i: 14; 2: 154: 31. Of 
faith and praise. Luke 24 : 52, 53. 

How does Peter speak of this gift as free to 
all? Acts 2: 38, 39; 10: 45. In both pas- 
sages the term is a strong one. (Rotherham, 
“free-gift.”) 

What does he mention as the one condition ? 
Acts 5 : 32. 

IIow does Saul fulfill this condition, and with 
what result ? See Acts 9, especially vs. 5, 6, 
17, 20. 

How does he communicate the gift to others ? 
Acts 19: 1-7. 

How may we do both ? 

“ Doth not the Spirit still descend, 

And bring the heavenly fire ? 

Doth not He still Thy Church extend, 

And waiting souls inspire ? 

“ Come, Holy Ghost ! in us arise ! 

Be this Thy mighty hour ! 

And make Thy willing people wise 
To know Thy day of power.” 


REVIEW 5. -SECTION E. 

Have each student prepare and bring to the class, 
as before, a chart of the interviews in this section. 
Let the teacher place his own before the class on 
blackboard or paper, and let the students compare 
theirs with it. Consider briefly any points in which 
they differ, not in verbal statement merely, but in 
thought. Then call upon the members of the class 
in turn, — as assigned beforehand, if thought best, 


I 


— each to take up one column of the chart, and 
draw suggestions from it. For example, under 
“Time,” the quiet composure of Christ amid the 
press of events in Passion Week, and the patient, 
unhurried, repeated lessons of the Forty Days ; 
under “ Place,” the centres of his activity, familiar 
and unusual, public and private. And so through 
the other columns, with increasing practical appli- 
cation. 


FINAL REVIEW. 


Let each student place before him his charts, 
covering the lessons of the five sections. Recall 
the characteristics of each period : — 

I. Preparation. Obscurity, patience, self-con- 
trol, development. 

II. Introduction. In side scenes and quiet 
places; with individuals. Then the public proclam- 
ation. 

III. Widening Influence. Constantly before the 
public. Personal dealing without private oppor- 
tunities. 

IV. Misunderstanding and Opposition. Private 
training and public testimony. 

V. The Approach to the Goal. More intense life; 
more urgent claims. Setting up divine against 
worldly standards. 

VI. The Passion Week. Entire self-forgetful- 
ness while convicting opposers, enlightening new 
inquirers, preparing disciples. 

VII. From the Tomb to the Throne. Establish- 
ing and empowering followers. 

See what principles guided Him through all this 
career that must animate His followers through 
theirs, however different. 


Classify the persons with whom His interviews 
were held, using as a guide the index on page 1 54, 
and make your own “worker’s manual” of His 
teachings for use as you meet similar persons 
now. 


For those who can do additional work, these 
suggestions are offered : 

1. Locate these personal interviews in order on 
the numbered circles of Kephart’s Chart to which 
they belong, and see how fully they cover His whole 
public career from beginning to end. 

2. Note what kinds of persons accepted His 
teaching and became His followers. 

3. Trace the reiteration and development of the 
same line of truth in His repeated interviews with 
the Jewish leaders. 

4. Look down the columns of “ Persons ” and 
“ Modern Representatives,” to be impressed by His 
catholicity and the completeness of His character. 

5. Classify and arrange His teaching on the dif- 
ferent themes He touched in these interviews. 

6. Study especially the way He multiplied His 
influence by training others. 


For all, in finishing the course, these individual 
questions are suggested : — 

1. What have you gained from this course of 
study and work ? 


2. What has prevented your gaining more ? 

3. What can you suggest to promote more fruit- 
ful Training Class work henceforth ? 

4. If you do not continue in a Training Class, 
what stimulus to systematic personal work will you 
substitute for it ? 

5. If this course has given you a closer fellow- 
ship with Christ, how do you plan to cultivate it? 

“ We may not climb the heavenly steeps 
To bring the Lord Christ down ; 

In vain we search the lowest deeps, 

For Him no depths can drown. 

“ But warm, sweet, tender, even yet 
A present help is He ; 

And faith has still its Olivet, 

And love its Galilee. 

“ O Lord and Master of us all, 

Whate’er our name or sign, 

We own Thy sway, we hear Thy call, 

We test our lives by Thine.” 


INDEX 


TO THE 

PORTIONS 

OF THE 

Gospels treated 

IN 


this Course of Study. 



Matthew . 

Mark . 

Luke . 

- John . 

Inter- 

view . 

Page. 



2 : 39-52 


1. 

23 

3: 13-4: 11 

1 : 9-13 

3 : 21, 22 
4 -* i ~*3 

} 1 = 32 , 33 

11. 

27 




i : 29-51 

hi. 

29 




3: I “ I 5 

IV. 

32 




4 : 1-42 

V. 

34 




5: 16-47 

VI. 

37 

8: 2-4} 
9: 9 - 13 ) 

1 : 40-45 \ 

2 : 13-17 ) 

5: 12-15 I 
27-32 1 

1 

VII. 

39 

12: 1-21 

2: 23-3: 12 

6: 1-11 


VIII. 

42 

11 : 1-30 


7: 18-35 

' 

IX. 

45 



7 : 36-50 


X. 

48 

12 : 22-45 

3 : 22-30 



XI. 

51 

14: 22-33 

6: 45-52 


6 : 15-21 

XII. 

55 



• 

6 : 22-71 

XIII. 

59 

16 : 13-28 

8: 27-9: 1 

9*. l8-2 7 


XIV. 

62 

18: 1-14 

9 • 33 ' 5 ° 

9: 46-50 


XV. 

66 




7 : 1-10 

XVI. 

69 




7 : M- 5 2 

XVII. 

71 




9 : I “ 4 I 

XVIII. 

74 

8: 18-22 

9 : 

5 D 57-62 


XIX. 

78 



10: 25-37 


XX. 

81 


12 

• * j 13-34 


XXI. 

84 



13 : 22-35 


XXII. 

87 




10: 22-42 

XXIII. 

90 



14 : 15-24 


XXIV. 

93 



16: 14-31 


XXV. 

95 




1 1 : 1-46 

XXVI. 

98 

19: 16-30 

10: 17-31 

l8: 18-30 


XXVII. 

IOI 



19: 1-10 


XXVIII. 

104 


x 53 


Matthew . 

Mark . 

Luke . 

John . 

Inter - 

view . 

Page . 

22: 15-46 

12: 13-37 

20: 

19-44 


XXIX. 

109 





12 : 20-36 

XXX. 

113 


— 

22 : 

24-30 

13 : 1-20 

XXXI. 

117 

26: 30-75 

14: 26-72 

22 : 

31-62 

13 • 36-38 1 

18 : 1-27 J 

XXXII. 

120 

27: 11-38 

15: 2-28 

23: 

2-34 

18: 28-19: 24 

XXXIII. 

124 



23 •• 

32-43 


XXXIV. 

129 


16: 12, 13 

24: 

13-35 


XXXV. 

132 





20: 24-29 

XXXVI. 

136 





21: 1-19 

XXXVII. 

138 

28: 16-20 

16: 15-19 

24: 

44-53 

(Acts 

1 : 1 12) 

XXXVIII. 

142 




INDEX 

TO THE DIFFERENT CLASSES OF PERSONS WITH WHOM 

Christ dealt in these interviews. 


This classification is general rather than precise. 
Its purpose is to guide workers in learning the 
methods Christ used with persons similar to those 
they themselves desire to help. 


Followers of Christ. 

Inter- 

view. 

Page. 

i. 

Doubting because of personal 




disappointments . . . . 

IX. 

45 

2. 

Storm-tossed and anxious . . 

XII. 

55 

3- 

Misled by wrong views of 



Christ’s mission 

XIV. 

62 

4- 

Failing in Christian co-oper- 




ation and fellowship . . . 

XV. 

66 

5- 

Grieving and perplexed be- 




cause of bereavement . . . 

XXVI. 

98 

6. 

Ambitious and self-seeking . 

XXXI. 

117 

7- 

Devoted but self-confident 




and headstrong 

XXXII. 

120 

8. 

Loving but disheartened by 




unbelief 

XXXV. 

132 

9- 

Lacking assurance 

XXXVI. 

136 

IO. 

Discouraged because over- 




come by temptation . . . 

XXXVII. 

138 

ii. 

Lacking power for Christian 




service xxxvm. 

142 


*55 

II. Inquirers. Inter - p 

view. * ' 

1. Earnest but uninstructed . . in. 29 

2. Fair-minded but perplexed by 

metaphysical questions . . iv. 32 

3. Realizing blindness and seek- 

ing light xviii. 74 

4. Moral and eager but not obe- 

dient to Christ . . xxvii. 101 

III. Those who show some interest. 

1. Seeking bodily rather than 

spiritual blessings ... xm. 59 

2. Relying upon privileges, not 

upon faith . xvi. 69 

3. Well-disposed but only half- 

hearted xix. 79 

4. Speculating and discussing but 

not obeying xxn. 87 

5. Asking for light but not fol- 

lowing it xxiii. 90 

6. Possessing wealth but wanting 

something better xxvm. 104 

7. Desiring to “ see ” and investi- 

gate Jesus but not yet to fol- 
low Him xxx. 113 

8. Wanting to do right but afraid, xxxiii. 124 

IV. Those who hold wrong views of truth. 

1. Unwilling to accept what they 

cannot explain iv. 32 

2. Exalting His life but denying 

His atoning death Xiv. 62 


r 5 6 


3. Unwilling to yield prejudices *view. 

Page. 

and learn by obedience 

XVII. 

71 

4. Denying future punishment 

xxv. 

95 

5. Denying any future life . . 

XXIX 

J09 


xiii. 

59 

6. Denying Christ’s Divinity . 

XXIII. 

XXIX. 

90 

109 


XXXVI. 

136 


Y. The self-righteous. 

1. Attentive to forms of worship 

but selfish and exclusive ; re- 
lying upon legal observances, vi. 37 

2. Critical of Christ’s followers . vm. 42 

3. Disdaining sinners but un- 

mindful of their own sin . . X. 48 

4. Attempting to substitute self- 

justification for confession . xx. 81 

VI. Those who are absorbed in worldly things. 


1. In earthly needs and pleas- 

ures ; prejudiced against 
Christians v. 34 

2. In money-getting; using Chris- 

tianity only as a means to 

selfish ends xxi. 84 

3. In business and family cares ; 

replying with excuses to the 

Gospel invitation ... xxiv. 93 

4. In social enjoyment; caring 

only for self xxv. 95 

5. Loving self and property more 

than Christ and Heaven . xxvil. 101 


J 57 


VII. “ Publicans and sinners." 

Inter- 
• view. 

Page. 

1. Ostracized because of an evil 
life 

V. 

34 

2. Sin-sick but seeking cure . . 

VII. 

39 

3. In a disreputable business but 
ready to leave it 

VII. 

39 

4. Needing assurance of par- 
doned sin 

X. 

48 

5. Lost but ready to be found 

XXVIII. 

104 

6. Suffering penalty, yet seeking 
forgiveness, for a lawless 
life 


109 

VIII. Opposers. 

1. Blaspheming the work of the 
Holy Spirit 

X. 

48 

2. Denying the sufficiency of the 
evidence yet seeking to de- 
stroy it 

XXIII. 

68 

3. Scoffing at spiritual teaching . 

XXV. 

95 

4. Attempting to overthrow 
Christianity by picking flaws 
in it 

XXIX. 

109 


In a final analysis most of these classes may be 
reduced to one : — 

Unwilling to yield completely to Christ. 

See especially vi, 37 ; xiv, 62 ; xvii, 71 ; xix, 78; 
XXVII, 101. 


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